Above is a general overview of the major proteins involved in muscle excitation-contraction.  Our research interests focus on proteins involved in Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and its subsequent reuptake.

Overview

 

A major interest of our lab is to investigate the cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of calcium cycling at the level of sarcoplasmic reticulum and its role in cardiac disease.  For these experiments, we apply conventional biochemical and molecular biology assays together with digital confocal imaging. We are also applying advanced proteomic detection methods as well as protein-protein interaction methods to decipher critical events and functions in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Model systems include established cell lines, primary cell cultures, human cardiac stem cells and transgenic animals, along with human explants and tissues. These techniques serve as valuable experimental tools to investigate cell biology, cellular pathways, and general Ca²⁺ cycling.