Research
Research Interests
- Regulation of Trafficking and Functions of Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels
- Identification of Novel Protein Regulators of Ion Channels
- Approaches to Targeting the Ion Channel Complexes in Neuropathic Pain and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Discovery of Novel Biologics and Small Molecules Targeting Pain and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research Activities
The focus of my laboratory’s’ research is to understand how ion channels, specifically, voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels, are regulated by novel protein interactions. Recent studies in my laboratory have focused on targeting protein-protein interactions with biologics (peptide aptamers) and small molecules; testing the activity of these novel chemical entities in biochemical and immunofluorescent-based assays of trafficking; examining their protein interaction signatures; testing them with whole cell voltage-clamp electrophysiology and voltage- and calcium sensitive fluorescence-based imaging. Regulating these protein networks to modulate the activity of ion channels in neurodegenerative diseases (Chronic Pain, Migraine, and Neurofibromatosis) is a key focus of the laboratory.
Research Focus
The Khanna lab investigates neurobiological mechanisms that are responsible for pain chronification. The group has pioneered regulation of nociceptive ion channels (CaV2.2 and NaV1.7) as an alternative means to finding analgesic drugs. Projects address the role of cytosolic mediators responsible for pain, preclinical models to define responsible peripheral nociceptive mechanisms, and large animal models to understand the neurobiological understanding of pain in neurofibromatosis type 1.
