معرفی
Stephan Pless is a Professor in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular function and pharmacology of ion channels, which regulate cellular excitability by controlling ion flux across cell membranes. These membrane proteins are therapeutically relevant targets as their dysfunction is associated with numerous diseases.
Dr. Pless received his Graduate degree (diploma) from the University of Hamburg, Germany (1998-2004), followed by a PhD from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (2005-2008). He completed postdoctoral training at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (2008-2013).
Dr. Pless leads a research group that investigates the function and pharmacology of ion channels using a combination of electrophysiology, synthetic amino acids, protein engineering, and spectroscopic approaches. His work primarily focuses on acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and sodium leak channels (NALCN), with implications for understanding pain sensation, neurological disorders, and potential therapeutic interventions. The lab employs innovative technologies including non-canonical amino acid incorporation, protein splicing and various spectroscopic methods to study channel structure-function relationships.
Analysis of Dr. Pless's recent publications reveals a strong focus on understanding the structural and functional mechanisms of ion channels, particularly ASICs and NALCN. His work spans from basic biophysical characterization to therapeutic applications, with increasing integration of computational methods and protein engineering approaches. A notable trend is the exploration of protein-protein interactions within channel complexes and the development of novel modulation strategies.
- Lundbeck Foundation Collaborative Project Grant (2023-2027)
- Paul F Cranefield Award from the Society of General Physiologists (2020)
- Lundbeck Foundation Ascending Investigator Grant (2019-2023)
- DFF Sapere Aude Starting Grant (2018-2021)
- Carlsberg Foundation Distinguished Associate Professor Fellowship (2017-2020)
- Lundbeck Foundation Fellowship (2013-2018)
Dr. Pless has successfully secured significant research funding throughout his career, beginning with postdoctoral fellowships from the Michael Smith Foundation, Banting Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, and Heart & Stroke Foundation. His independent career has been supported by prestigious grants from the Lundbeck Foundation, Carlsberg Foundation, and Danish Independent Research Fund. His lab, the Pless Lab (www.theplesslab.com), actively recruits motivated students and postdocs interested in ion channel research.
The Pless Lab is part of the vibrant research community at the University of Copenhagen, situated in one of the world's most livable cities known for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure and high quality of life. The lab collaborates extensively with researchers both within Denmark and internationally, as evidenced by the diverse authorship on recent publications.
