Dr. Harold Zakon

Biography

Dr. Zakon studies ion channels, which are proteins found in the membranes of excitable cells such as nerves, heart, and muscle. These proteins function as channels that allow ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium to pass through cells, which is essential for the proper electrical activity of nerve, muscle, and cardiac cells. Over the past five years, numerous neurological, muscle, and heart diseases have been linked to mutations in ion channels in humans. Dr. Zakon focuses on sodium and potassium channels, as well as the ion channels in the electric organs of electric fish. These electric organs produce discharges that allow fish to shock prey, similar to the electric eel, or navigate in total darkness and communicate with each other using weak electric signals. Additionally, Dr. Zakon studies how sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence ion channels in the electric organs of these fish. His research contributes to a deeper understanding of how hormones influence ion channels in neurons of the brain, helping to elucidate sex differences in brain function. Moreover, he investigates the regulatory mechanisms of ion channel activity at the molecular level, aiming to understand what kind of ion channel cells produce and how they regulate their activity, which has significant implications for understanding ion channels in the human body.

Research Interests