Dr Emily Caseley

Profile

I obtained my PhD in molecular biology in 2016 from the University of Leeds as part of a Wellcome Trust funded program. My studies during my PhD were focused on the structural basis of ligand-receptor interactions in the P2X7 receptor, giving me a foundation in purinergic signalling and electrophysiology. I joined the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds as a postdoctoral researcher in November 2021, where I am currently working with Dr Jonathan Lippiat, Dr Stephen Muench and Dr Katie Simmons on an Action Medical Research funded project identifying small molecule inhibitors of the KNa1.1 channel.

Research interests

KCNT1 encodes a sodium-activated potassium channel, known as KNa1.1 or SLACK. Gain-of-function KCNT1 mutations are associated with a series of rare and severe childhood epilepsies which present in the first days to month of life, including autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) and epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS). KCNT1-associated encephalopathies are not controlled by any presently available medication, highlighting a need for potent and selective KNa1.1 inhibitors for the treatment of these conditions. This project builds on previous work by the group, in which a structure-based approach was used to identify a series of novel small molecule inhibitors of the KNa1.1 channel (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7225746/), using a combination of virtual screening, fluorescence potassium ion channel assays and patch-clamp electrophysiology. 

Qualifications

• PhD: Molecular biology
• BSc (Hons): Neuroscience

Professional memberships

• Biochemical Society
• Faculty Opinions: Associate Faculty Member

Research groups and institutes

• Integrative membrane biology - Post doctorates