Cellular and molecular biology of epithelial ion channels

Description of projects available to graduate students:
Epithelial cell layers are organized with discrete plasma membrane domains containing distinct proteins that mediate the vectorial transport of solute across the cell layer. Our research efforts are primarily directed at the study of epithelial transport proteins and focus on two major areas:

1. Cellular and molecular studies of epithelial Na+ channels: Recent work has focused on characterizing the structure of the channel’s pore, and on the identification of sites within the channel's extracellular domain that have key roles in the modulation of channel activity in response to extracellular factors, including Na+, divalent metal ions, and proteases. We are also examining mechanisms by which specific proteases, such as furin, regulate epithelial Na+ channels.

2. Regulation of ion channels by mechanical forces: We are examining mechanisms by which mechanical forces regulate epithelial Na+ channels and large conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channels.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
- cloning and pcr mutagenesis
- ion channel expression using heterologous systems
- pulse/chase experiments for analysis of channel assembly, ER export, and processing
- protein-protein interaction assays
- computer based homology modeling