Description of Research Expertise

My laboratory is studying the physiological regulation of the properties of the contractile proteins in cardiac muslce, with particular emphasis on the ability of the proteins to generate force and hydrolyze adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as their source of energy.

Completed work has already shown that the sensitivity of the contractile system to its normal activator, calcium ions, is modified by neuroendocrine mechanisms operating through receptors in the cell membrane.

Current work is focused on defining a second regulatory system that modulates the amount of force and the velocity of shortening developed by the contractile proteins in response to a constant level of activator. This system, also under neuroendocrine control, involved an as yet unidentified regulator protein.

The major aims of the laboratory are to isolate the protein, define the molecular basis of its activity and the genetic control of its production, and identify the intracellular structures that are concerned with its sotorage and release. The studies use
physiological and biophysical techniques and computer controlled methods for correlating subcellular structure with biochemical function. Structure function correlations at the resolution of the light and electron microscope are important aspects of the work.