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Matthew BrowndBiographyMatthew Brownd is currently a second-year graduate student. He recieved his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from John Brown University in 2019, and has an interest in studying drug binding activities, specifically as it relates to anxiolytics or antidepressants. Outside of work, he is fascinated by the realms of science fiction and technology, which he enjoys exploring through games, movies, books, or tinkering with the latest gadgets. |
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Research
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1)HCN1 is a tetrameric, voltage-gated cation channel, and is weakly selective for potassium over sodium. It is most commonly found expressed in the heart and the brain, and is sometimes referred to as a "pacemaker" channel, due to its role in regulating rhythmic electrical activity. The activity of these channels is modulated by the binding of cyclic AMP to the cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD), which promotes channel opening and channel conductance activity. We are currently using molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the isolated CNBD region of the protein, both with and without bound cAMP, in an effort to better understand the precise binding interactions and structural changes leading to this shift in channel activity. |
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