Dr. Alan Miller Campus: Mare Island College: College of Osteopathic Medicine [CA] Department: Basic Sciences, Research Title: Associate Professor Phone: (707) 638-5235 Fax: (707) 638-5255 E-Mail:alan.miller@tu.edu
Fall Semester: Neurophysiology (DO program)
Spring Semester: Cardiovascular Physiology (DO program), Renal Physiology (DO program)
Summer Semester: Cardiovascular Physiology (PA program)
The research in my laboratory focuses on the voltage-gated potassium channel HERG (Human-ether-a-go-go related gene) which is responsible for the repolarization of the cardiac action potential in cardiac myocytes. Block of this channel by a number of pharmaceutical agents as well as mutations in the gene encoding the HERG channel can cause Long QT Syndrome. In some rare cases Long QT can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation which can be lethal.
The research focuses on studying: 1. the mechanisms by which a number of different drugs block HERG
2. the effects of extracellular divalent cations (such as calcium, magnesium, zinc) on the HERG channel
