protein traffic in polarized cells

Description of projects available to graduate students:
The focus of our laboratory is the regulation of apical membrane traffic in polarized kidney cells. The selective targeting of newly synthesized proteins and lipids to differentiated apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains is critical for maintaining the transport and barrier functions of epithelial tissues. We seek to understand how newly synthesized proteins are selected for apical delivery, incorporated into vesicular carriers, and targeted to the appropriate membrane. Current projects in our highly interactive and congenial laboratory address various aspects of this complex process.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
pulse chase analysis of protein transport kinetics
immunofluorescence and live cell imaging
general molecular biology techniques
construction of recombinant adenovirus