The University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine
The focus of our group is to obtain a detailed understanding, at the molecular level, of the biophysical properties and regulatory mechanisms which underlie the function of important membrane transport proteins expressed in the heart, blood vessels, brain, eye, and kidney. These molecules control the movement of Na, K and Ca ions into and out of cells, which is a process essential for both general cellular homeostasis as well as for the specialized physiology of individual cells and tissues.
Our approaches to these problems rely upon the very strong collaborative and multidisciplinary environment of the MRC-Group. State-of-the-art techniques in molecular and cellular biology, electrophysiology & biophysics, molecular & computer modeling, pharmacology, and biochemistry are combined in our study of K channels and Na/Ca exchangers. Core facilities for cell preparation, molecular biology, and cell imaging facilitate the interactions and collaborations of investigators within the group.
The MRC-Group provides a rich and exciting environment for graduate and postgraduate studies, with theoretical and practical training to prepare students for careers in a broad range of modern science disciplines.
W.R. Giles, Ph.D. Professor, Depts. of Physiology & Biophysics and Medicine
R.B. Clark, Ph.D. Adjunct Associate Professor, Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics
R.J. French, Ph.D. Professor, Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics
P. Kubes, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Depts. of Physiology & Biophysics and Medicine
J. Lytton, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Depts. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Medicine
P.P.M. Schnetkamp, Ph.D. Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology