Our research focuses on an array of large protein of the cell membrane which serve as passageways guiding movement of small ions, nutrients, and just plain water into and out off cells. Our studies examine how the functions of these transporters or channels are both modulated by and themselves modulate the many functions cells. Our studies include examining a number of cell types (neurons, glial, muscle, epithelial, and red blood cells) and probe the basis for malady in a number of diseases and conditions including: cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, edema, sleep apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, paralysis and hypertension. Follow the links for each faculty member below to discover more thorough descriptions of our research programs.

Participating Faculty:

Norma Adragna, Ph.D. Hypertension, sickle cell anemia, ion transport/regulation of cell volume [home][e-mail]

Francisco J. Alvarez-Leefmans, M.D., Ph.D. Cell volume control; pathology and physiology; role of cation chloride co-transport in pain [home][e-mail]

Adrian Corbett, Ph.D. Ion channel structure and function [home][e-mail]

David L. Goldstein, Ph.D. Physiological responses to environmental stress, including the balance of salt and water, influence of diet composition, and effects of toxicants [home][e-mail]

Dan Halm, Ph.D. Epithelial physiology using electrical recording, including patch-clamp, and functional imaging with fluorescent probes [home][e-mail]

Lynn Hartzler, Ph.D. Comparative physiology; control of breathing in reptiles and amhibians; neurophysiology [home][e-mail]

J. Ashot Kozak, Ph.D., Physiology and biophysics of cation channels; patch-clamp electrophysiology; calcium regulation in immune cells [home][e-mail]

Peter K. Lauf, M.D. Ion transport and regulation [bio][e-mail]

James Olson, Ph.D. Mechanism of brain edema. Dissertation qualified [home][e-mail]

Robert Putnam, Ph.D. Membrane transport and intercellular ion regulation [home][e-mail]

Mark M. Rich, M.D., Ph.D. Synaptic function and modulation of sodium channel gating [bio][e-mail]

Michele G. Wheatly, Ph.D. Comparative physiology principally of decapod crustaceans but also molluscs and lower vertebrates (fish and reptiles). Exchange of respiratory gases, electrolytes and acid-base equivalents in response to environmental changes including salinity, temperature, dissolved gases, exercise, acidification and the advance from aquatic to terrestrial existence. [home][e-mail]

Christopher N. Wyatt, Ph.D. Mechanisms of oxygen sensing in the mammalian carotid bodies [home][e-mail]