Northwestern University · PharmacologyPrakriya Calcium Lab
Murali Prakriya · Evanston, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Murali Prakriya's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding calcium signaling in the brain, particularly through specialized channels that allow calcium to enter cells. By studying store-operated calcium entry and CRAC channels, the team explores how these channels work at the molecular and structural levels and what roles they play in neuronal functions like memory and synaptic communication. The work is aimed at uncovering insights that could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders involving calcium signaling dysfunction.
calcium signalingCRAC channelsstore-operated channelsneuronal functionsynaptic plasticitybrain diseasesmolecular mechanismsdrug discovery
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the physiological roles of store-operated calcium entry in neurons and astrocytes.
AIM 02Elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Orai channels are activated.
AIM 03Assess how variations in Orai channel function impact brain diseases.
AIM 04Explore the structural basis of the binding between Orai and STIM proteins.
AIM 05Identify new therapeutic targets for conditions related to calcium signaling dysregulation.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiologymolecular dynamics simulationscryogen electron microscopyanimal modelsbiochemical assayscellular imaginggenetic manipulationprotein purification
Output against the department
Publications144bottom 40% of dept.275th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations14ktop 27% of dept.125th of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
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