Intracellular Ion Channels Laboratory

As we step into 2026, I’m grateful to my lab members, who continue to be gladiators in lab coats, fearless, resilient, and relentlessly curious. This past year was one of our most productive yet. We pushed boundaries, asked bold questions, and turned ideas into discoveries.
We are thankful to AHA, NCATS and NHLBI for their long lasting support.

Worked with Prof Patel to study zyxin

Zyxin Binds Chromosomal DNA and Links to Mitochondrial Integrity. Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

This paper uncovers a surprising nuclear role for zyxin, traditionally known as a cytoskeletal protein.

Zyxin directly binds to chromosomal DNA and is linked with mitochondrial integrity and apoptosis Human zyxin is a key component of the focal adhesion complex, playing a role in mediating cell–cell adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics. Moreover, zyxin shuttles between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, where it contributes to regulating gene expression. Although identified over 30 years ago, zyxin.....

We followed up MAM Cl channels as well

Biophysical characterization of anion channels in Mitochondrion–Endoplasmic‑Reticulum Contact sites (MERCs). Biophysical Journal.
This work provides the first detailed biophysical analysis of anion channel activity at MERCs, the critical microdomains where mitochondria and ER membranes physically and functionally interact.

Biophysical characterization of anion channels in mitochondrion-endoplasmic-reticulum contact sites The mitochondrion-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCs, also known as mitochondrial-associated membranes [M**s]) are specialized regions of the ER that are in close proximity to the mitochondrion. These organelle structures play essential roles in a variety of processes, such as calcium s...

Behind the paper story

Discovery of the first functional ion channel in extracellular vesicles. Extracellular vesicles (EVs or exosomes) must maintain their ionic homeostasis during intercellular transport by activating ion channels and transporters to avoid osmotic shock. We have identified the first functional ion channel in EVs responsible for maintaining potassium homeostasis.