Dr Géza Berecki
PhD

Dr Géza Berecki obtained his PhD from the University of Leiden, The Netherlands, and subsequently worked as postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Amsterdam, University of Calgary, University of Queensland, RMIT and the Florey (University of Melbourne).

Dr Berecki’s research is focused on ion channel physiology and pharmacology, and intracellular signalling. As an early career postdoc, he was involved in cardiac electrophysiology research. Later he studied the mechanism of action of synthetic conotoxins targeting ion channels and receptors and the modulation of ion channels via G protein-coupled receptors. This research resulted in patenting of several synthetic peptides for the management of neuropathic pain.

At The Florey, Dr Berecki investigates the contribution of ion channel variants to neurodevelopmental disorders using various model systems such as patient-derived stem cell neurons, mammalian cells, and transgenic mice. He introduced and validated dynamic action potential clamp for predicting the impact of neuronal ion channel mutations on neuronal excitability, a technique well-positioned to impact diagnosis and drug discovery in genetic epilepsy.

Dr Berecki’s long term aim is to use existing and novel approaches to study the contribution of ion channels to single neuron and network function and identify effective ways to modulate ion channel function to better manage associated disorders.

Key collaborators

• Associate Professor David Simpson – The University of Melbourne
• Professor Ben Corry – The Australian National University, Canberra
• Dr Katherine Howell – Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Dr Kris Kahlig – Praxis Precision Medicines, Cambridge, MA