Sang Don Koh

Sang Don Koh is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. He obtained his Ph.D. at Hanyang University under Prof. Kee Soon Kim and conducted postdoctoral research at Kyushu University under Prof. Kuriyama. Since 1992, he has been affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno, working in the lab of Dr. Kenton M. Sanders.

• Education: Ph.D. in Physiology, Hanyang University

His research focuses on the electrical activity of gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), utilizing patch clamp and Ca2+ imaging techniques. He studies mechanisms of spontaneous rhythmicity, intracellular signaling by enteric neurotransmitters, and Ca2+ puff regulation. Collaborations with Drs. James L. Kenyon, Burton Horowitz, and Brian Perrino have explored K+ channel regulation and Ca2+/calmodulin kinase pathways.

Recent publications highlight work on K+ channels (TASK, Kv4.3, TREK-1, SK, KATP), their roles in gastrointestinal motility, and interactions with nitric oxide, ATP, and neurotransmitters. His lab developed ICC culturing techniques (with Sean M. Ward) to study pacemaker activity and enteric neuronal control.

Collaborators: Dr. Kenton M. Sanders, Dr. Sean M. Ward, Dr. Burton Horowitz, Dr. Brian Perrino, Dr. James L. Kenyon.