Stephen Caldwell Cannon, M.D., Ph.D.

Steve Cannon, M.D., Ph.D.

Chair, Physiology Member, CTSI Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology GPB Home Area

310-825-4463

543-263B CHS
CA
UNITED STATES


Biography

The primary research interests of our laboratory are how ion channels regulate the electrical excitability of cells and how defects in these channels lead to human disease. In the past two decades, mutations of ion channel genes have been found to be the primary cause for over 100 human diseases. Our research program is focused on the mechanistic basis for a group of inherited conditions that alter the electrical excitability of skeletal muscle, including periodic paralysis and myotonia. We have characterized the gating defects of mutant channels, generated computational models of muscle excitability, and produced genetically-engineered mice to gain insights on the pathomechanisms of these disorders and to explore therapeutic interventions.

Awards and Honors

  • Biophysical Society Award in the Biophysics of Health and Disease, UCLA, 2022.
  • Paul Horowicz Endowed Lecture, Univresity of Rochester, 2019.
  • Regents Outstanding Teaching Award, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2014.
  • MERIT Award, NIH, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2008-2018.
  • Linda and Mitch Hart Distinguished Chair in Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2002.
  • Derek Denny-Brown Neurological Scholar, Massachusetts General Hospital, 2000.

Publications