Anatoli N. Lopatin, PhD

Current research in our laboratory revolves around the understanding the mechanisms of stress-induced remodeling of cardiac t-tubules. T-tubules are the central place for excitation contraction coupling, and disturbances in t-tubule structure and function are linked to numerous devastating cardiac disorders including heart failure. However, little is known about why and how t-tubular remodeling occurs during stress, and important details of the effects of disorganization of t-tubular system on various cellular functions remain to be investigated.

In our research we use an integrated experimental approach including, in particular, advanced patch-clamp electrophysiology, confocal imaging of cardiac cells, experimentation with various fluorescent indicators for ions and other relevant targets, molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as transgenic mice with modified expression of specific ion channels. One of the new directions in the lab is the development and application of Super Resolution Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) for studying cardiac myocytes and t-tubular system.

Selected Publications:

• Metabolic stress in isolated mouse ventricular myocytes leads to remodeling of t-tubules.
• Resolution of hypo-osmotic stress in isolated mouse ventricular myocytes causes sealing of t-tubules.
• Ca2+ homeostasis in sealed t-tubules of mouse ventricular myocytes.