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Mark E. Dumont, Ph.D.
G protein-coupled receptors mediate cellular responses to a variety of sensory stimuli, hormones, growth factors, and neurotransmitters. We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanism by which the extracellular signal is transduced to G proteins in the cytoplasm, via seven-transmembrane receptors. We are using yeast genetics to study the regulation of signaling and the functional and structural properties of fungal and mammalian receptor mutants.
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Alan Grossfield, Ph.D.
The biophysics of membranes and membrane proteins is critical to understanding the molecular-level mechanisms of a host of biological processes, including signaling, homeostasis, and some forms of immune response. My laboratory is focused on investigating these phenomena using computational techniques, primarily molecular simulation. Presently, we are using molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the membrane-lysing mechanism of antimicrobial lipopeptides, a new class of antibacterial drugs which selectively target bacteria based on differences in lipid headgroup composition. We are also interested in examining GPCR structure and function, peptide-protein interactions, and in developing new methods to represent the membrane environment implicitly and interpret two-dimensional wide angle X-ray scattering experiments on lipid bilayers.
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Thomas E. Gunter, Ph.D.
Calcium is a second messenger that activates many enzymes in the cell. We are interested in the physiological properties of calcuim ion transport in the mitochondria and the role of calcium in the regulation of ATP production. Manganese is a toxin believed to use similar ion channels as calcium. Because Manganese is an additive in gasoline fuel, we are investigating the organelles, ion transport properties, target proteins and toxicity of manganese.
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Alan E. Senior, Ph.D.
Cancer chemotherapy often fails because tumors develop resistance to multiple drugs simultaneously. The culprit is multidrug-resistance protein (MDR), a transport protein that uses ATP to pump drugs out of the cell. The long-term goal or our research is to learn ways to disable MDR protein in cancer cells. We are also using molecular genetics in bacteria in a biophysical study of the mechanism of action of ATP-linked membrane transporters.
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Richard E. Waugh, Ph.D.
Mechanical forces can affect cells in many ways. Not only do cells respond passively to mechanical forces, but force may also cause changes in the appearance of surface molecules, induce cell migration, or, through gene regulation, even affect cell growth and phenotype. Our research investigates the properties of cells, especially blood cells, to improve our understanding of how mechanical forces affect cell function. In the context of the peripheral vasculature and immune (inflammatory) response, we are interested in how changes in the mechanical properties of a cell affect its ability to perform normally.
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