Dr. Lopatin is Associate Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and works on understanding the molecular mechanisms of function, regulation and localization of a specific class of potassium channels called strong inward rectifiers, or Kir2 channels, in the heart. The ultimate goal is to understand the role of Kir2 channels in the normal cardiac electrical activity of the heart as well as in the genesis of life-threatening arrhythmias. Kir2 channels function like electronic diodes to stabilize restating potential and to shape the repolarization phase of action potential in cardiac myocytes.