University of Chicago · BiochemistryIon Dynamics Lab
Benoit Roux · Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Benoit Roux's research lab at the University of Chicago focuses on using molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) channels function within biological membranes. The lab aims to understand the complex interactions that influence ion channel behavior, particularly in relation to neurological disorders and cardiac functions. By improving computational models, the lab seeks to explore the fundamental forces that guide ion permeation and channel activation, which are critical for human health.
molecular dynamicsion channelsbiological membranespotassium channelssodium channelsbiomolecular simulationsmembrane interactionslipid biologypolarizable force fieldmachine learning
Research Aims
5AIM 01Explore the mechanisms of ion permeation in potassium and sodium channels.
AIM 02Investigate the structural basis of voltage activation and inactivation of ion channels.
AIM 03Develop polarizable force fields for better biomembrane modeling.
AIM 04Study the biological role of phospholipids in channel regulation.
AIM 05Validate computational results with experimental techniques like cryo-EM.
Skills the Lab Values
molecular dynamics simulationscryo-electron microscopyX-ray crystallographycomputational modelingbiomolecular dynamicsforce field developmentlipid membrane studiesdata analysis with simulation softwaremachine learning algorithmsconformational sampling
Output against the department
Publications723top 4% of dept.17th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations78ktop 2% of dept.10th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.