Study of the role of membrane potential in the regulation of cell fate and function, using integrated optogenetic and electrophysiological methodologies.

The researcher will investigate membrane potential as an instructive signal in the regulation of cell fate and function, employing integrated optogenetic and electrophysiological methodologies. The work will involve developing and applying protocols to modulate membrane potential through acute and chronic optogenetic stimulation, combined with intracellular (patch-clamp) and extracellular (multi-electrode array, MEA) electrophysiological recordings. Using neuronal and cardiac models, the project aims to assess how the modulation of membrane potential contributes to processes such as differentiation, functional maturation, and integration into pre-existing cellular networks.