Ion-channel biophysicsResearch preview
The General Theory of Gating
A compositional theory of human ion-channel dynamics, realised through a modelling language, compiler and GTG Cell Studio.
Mathematics · Physiology · Scientific computing
New mathematics.
Living systems.
Executable ideas.
I develop mathematical theories and the computational tools that make them testable—from human ion channels and glial signalling to nonassociative algebra.
Dr Alireza PoshtkohiLecturer in Computer Science · University of Hertfordshire
Theory meets experiment
Finding common principles in cellular dynamics.
The published gHH framework provides a foundation for the General Theory of Gating.
Overview of the published gHH framework and its applications to receptors, physiology and downstream modelling.
Poshtkohi & Gulbransen, The Journal of Physiology.
New algebra. New questions about dynamics.
Pentarnion research connects nonassociative structures, geometry and differential equations.
Exact elliptic solution · mathematical preprint, Fig. 7.1.
Poshtkohi & Pumplün · arXiv:2610.34202.
One connected research practiceMathematical theoryExperimental–computational modellingResearch softwareScientific collaboration
Research in focus
From principles
to possibilities.
Developing original frameworks, investigating their consequences and building the environments needed to explore them.
Nonassociative mathematicsThree preprints
The Pentarnion programme
Five-dimensional nonassociative algebra, geometry and nonlinear dynamics—with Pentarnion Studio for computational exploration.
A shared intellectual origin.
Questions arising from generalising Hodgkin–Huxley modelling towards GTG also motivated investigations into algebra-valued differential equations, from which Pentarnion research developed.
Experimental–computational physiology
Understanding the cells
behind brain and gut function.
01 / BRAINPublished foundations + ongoing research
Human microglia
Connecting purinergic receptors, ion channels, membrane electrophysiology and calcium signalling in a sustained collaboration with experimental neuroscientists.
Explore microglial modelling02 / GUTResearch programme in development
Enteric glia
Developing experimentally grounded models of receptor-driven calcium signalling across glial cell bodies and processes, in collaboration with Professor Brian D. Gulbransen at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Explore enteric-glia modellingSelected contributions
Ideas grounded in research.
Generalised Hodgkin–Huxley model captures human P2X and AMPA receptor currents
The Journal of Physiology 604(1), 214–246
A shared, interacting-gate framework for human P2X1–7 and AMPA GluA1 receptor currents. First and corresponding author; mathematical framework, fitting and implementation.
Mathematical Modeling of PI3K/Akt Pathway in Microglia
Neural Computation 36(4), 645–676
Mathematical modelling connecting purinergic signalling, calcium regulation and the PI3K/Akt pathway in microglia. First-author research extending the cellular modelling programme.
Mathematical modelling of human P2X-mediated plasma membrane electrophysiology and calcium dynamics in microglia
PLOS Computational Biology 17(11), e1009520
A model integrating human P2X receptor currents, membrane electrophysiology and intracellular calcium. Led methodology, software, data curation and original-draft writing.
The computational foundation
Building the systems
that make science possible.
My research in modelling languages, compilers and parallel computing underpins the tools I now develop for physiology and mathematics. It also informs my book on implementing parallel and distributed systems.
Teaching & supervision
Developing independent thinkers
through theory and practice.
I teach undergraduate and postgraduate computer science at the University of Hertfordshire, connecting programming, software engineering and computing systems with practical investigation.
Principles into practice.
Programming and program design, cloud computing and software engineering projects, supported by active learning and feedback.
Questions into projects.
BSc and MSc supervision, connecting research questions and literature with design, implementation, testing and critical evaluation.
Knowledge into capability.
Research training in mathematical modelling, numerical differential equations, high-performance computing and parallel simulation.
Working across disciplines
Different expertise.
Shared scientific questions.
My research brings mathematical and computational development into dialogue with experimental physiology and pure mathematics.
Research is a conversation.
Explore the publications, try the research tools, or get in touch about a question at the intersection of mathematics, physiology and computation.