Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology - Cardiovascular Biology and Biochemistry

University of Cincinnati

Humans are complex multi-cellular organisms, and are comprised of trillions of individual cells that interact with one another at many levels.The membranes that separate each cell, and the proteins embedded in these membranes are therefore critical interfaces that precisely regulate the transfer of metabolites and signals throughout life. Other proteins that function as molecular motors provide cells with specialized capabilities, such as the contractility of cardiac myocytes.By studying the molecular function of membrane transport, membrane signaling systems and contractile proteins in animal models we not only know that they regulate cellular metabolism, differentiation, proliferation and death but also how they play a role in human disease.Major ongoing research programs are aimed at investigating the structure and functions of Na/K ATPase, G protein-coupled receptors, calcium, proton, chloride and bicarbonate transporters, water and sodium transporters, platelet activating membrane receptors, cardiac tropomyosin and cardiac troponin.