On the voltage gated ion channels in action potential generation and back propagation in layer 5 pyramidal neurons

In the mammalian brain the shape of action potentials is the result of the sequential activation, inactivation and de-activation of several voltage gated ion channels, belonging to different families. Indeed, ion channel expression and distribution make up an essential part of a cells machinery, and mutations in these channels can lead to severe diseases and disorders. Therefore, the biophysical properties of ion channels are an important field of research, and the subject of my thesis. Specifically, I will talk about the contribution of various ion channels (Ca2+ channels, Na+ channels, and Ca2+ activated K+ channels) to action potential generation at the axon initial segment, and action potential back propagation into the apical dendrite.