Keith Bryan, Ph.D.

Meet the Researcher

Bryan earned a M.S. in biochemistry and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Iowa. He is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Iowa.

The Research

University of Iowa
Investigating the Role of CaBP1 in KCNQ4 Channel Modulation

KCNQ4 potassium channels play an important role in controlling the responsiveness of auditory hair cells to sound stimulation. Mutation of the gene encoding this channel cause deafness in humans, which is typically due to improper functioning of these channels in the ear. I have identified a novel interaction between Ca2+ binding protein 1 (CaBP1), which is highly expressed in auditory hair cells, and KCNQ4. The goal of this research is to evaluate the functional consequences of this interaction on the cellular localization and biophysical properties of KCNQ4 channels in auditory hair cells.

Research area: fundamental auditory research

Long-term goal of research: To understand at the molecular level how hair cells function normally in sound detection and develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating patients with inherited forms of hearing loss.