Overview
Researchers in this area investigate the mechanisms controlling solute and water movement across cell membranes and resultant pathologies.
Current areas of interest include the regulation of epithelial ion channels and transporters by binding proteins, solutes and pharmacological agents; epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport in the intestine and the interaction of bacteria with the intestine; the role of calcium transport proteins in intracellular calcium signalling; and the control of sodium, potassium, urate and water handling by the kidney, intestine and pancreas. Disease processes that result from alterations in these pathways include gout, hypertension, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Membrane and ion transport research techniques
Researchers use a wide variety of techniques to investigate the function of epithelia and the transporters and channels that contribute to epithelial function. We have expertise in the following techniques:
- Confocal microscopy
- Fluorescent measurement of intracellular calcium and pH
- Immunohistochemistry
- Lipid bilayers and single channel recording
- Mass spectroscopy
- Molecular biology
- Patch-Clamp
- Protein-protein interaction assays
- Transcriptional regulation and miRNAs
- Two-electrode voltage-clamp
- Ussing chamber – short circuit current
