Frank Bosmans, PhD, Ghent University, Belgium

Sodium channels and sensory perception

Frank Bosmans, Professor, invited by Michel De Waard (Eq IIb)
Ghent University
Basic and Applied Medical Sciences – School of Medicine
Molecular Physiology and Neurophysics lab

Abstract

Voltage-gated Na+ (NaV) channels support a myriad of physiological processes such as sensory perception, heart and brain function, and muscle movement. We study the mechanisms by which genetic changes in NaV channel genes lead to human diseases. In particular, we are focusing our efforts on somatosensory perception, an interest that stems from patient experiences with a spectrum of distorted sensory acuities resulting from mutations in SCN11A (NaV1.9). In addition to exploring the physiological consequences of NaV channel mutations, we are also invested in discovering and developing new compounds that can help address infantile seizures and replace opioids as pain treatment. Although seemingly unconnected, we showed that SCN1A (NaV1.1) – an established genetic contributor to epilepsy – is also involved in mechanical pain associated with gut disorders.

Biography

Dr Bosmans received his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Leuven. Hereafter, he moved to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA for a postdoc in the lab of Dr Kenton Swartz. In 2012, Dr Bosmans started his own lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, USA and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2016. In 2018, Dr Bosmans moved back to Belgium to become Professor at Ghent University. His laboratory is mostly interested in sensory perception and associated disorders that cause pain, itch, epilepsy, and cardiac disorders.