Manuel L. Covarrubias

Manuel L. Covarrubias is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, located at 233 S. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA. He holds both an MD and a PhD in Chemistry from the National University of Mexico (PhD obtained in 1980).

His research focuses on molecular mechanisms controlling electrical signaling in the brain, with specialization in voltage-gated potassium channels. Key investigations include:

• Gating mechanisms of Kv4 channels involving accessory subunits, zinc, and nitric oxide regulation
• Structural basis of alcohol and general anesthetic action on Shaw-2 potassium channels

The laboratory employs advanced methodologies including:

• Patch-clamp electrophysiology
• Kinetic analysis and computational modeling
• Genetic engineering and heterologous expression
• Protein biochemistry and neuronal culture

This research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms underlying learning, memory, hyperexcitability disorders, anesthesia, and alcohol intoxication.