Charles R. Fourtner

Neurobiology: Ion Channel Activities

Professor

PhD 1971 Michigan State University
Postdoctoral work 1971 University of Miami
Postdoctoral work 1973 University of Alberta
Assistant Professor 1974;
Associate Professor 1979;
Professor 1990 University at Buffalo

Address Information

Charles R. Fourtner
Department of Biological Sciences
641 Cooke Hall
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260

(716) 645-2363 ext: 175

To send e-mail: fourtner@acsu.buffalo.edu

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Past research centered on the neurobiological control of stereotypic behaviors in invertebrate organisms such as insects, crabs and arachnids, with particular interests on the central neural mechanisms responsible for those behaviors and the neuromuscular mechanisms directly producing movements. Current research interests lie in two main fields. The first area is the control of single ion channels in epithelial cells in fish intestine and pituitary cells. The second research area is an investigation of the physiological role of giant nerve axons in the behavior of a specialized group of organisms, the aquatic oligochaete. Of special interest is the physiological and anatomical alterations which occur when these organisms reproduce asexually. These studies are carried out in close colloboration with Dr. Charles Drewes of Iowa State University.

Dr. Fourtner also collaborates with Dr. Bruce Nicholson on a project researching the biophysical properties of gap junctions artificially induced between frog oocytes.

SELECTED PROJECTS