Laura Bianchi

Laura Bianchi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics with expertise in ion channel biology and sensory neuroscience. Her research focuses on glial-neuronal interactions, particularly the role of ion channels and transporters in modulating synaptic function and behavior using C. elegans as a model organism. Key interests include DEG/ENaC channels in sensory perception and neurotoxicity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying glial contributions to nervous system function.

Education: She holds a PhD in Physiology from the University of Florence (1997) and a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Milan (1992).

Research Highlights: Bianchi's lab investigates glial ion channel regulation of GABA release, calcium-mediated neurotoxicity in DEG/ENaC dysfunction, and the discovery of novel glial-enriched channels. Recent work includes identifying an ER anion channel and developing protocols for imaging calcium in glia.

• Notable Awards: U-Choose SEEDS Award (2024), FASI Award (2024)

Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative research on mechanosensation and neurodegeneration, with a lab website at laura-bianchi.com.