Membrane Transport
The Membrane Transport subgroup of the program in Cell Biology and Physiology is comprised of a group of laboratories actively engaged in investigations regarding the translocation of ions and other solutes across cell membranes. Many ion channels and transporters and pumps are studied using a range of technical approaches, including crystallography, single molecule real-time electrical recording and high-resolution real-time optical imaging, biochemistry and molecular biology. Ongoing projects address ion channel and pump structure, single channel kinetics and their regulation, ion channel biogenesis and trafficking, and pharmacological discovery, using normal as well as disease models. In addition to many collaborations and informal interactions, the Membrane Transport group sponsors seminars and lectures, and an ion channel journal club. The overall goal is to enhance the quality and impact of membrane transport research at Penn, as well as provide more focused education and training for students and postdoctoral fellows.
