Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Director of Medical Studies; Director of Graduate Studies, Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Research summary:
Polarized kidney tubule cells have proteins in the plasma membrane facing the urine that differ from those facing the blood. We are studying the electrical characteristics of these proteins-ion channels and electrogenic transporters-in the two plasma membranes of renal tubule cells. Patchclamp, and molecular biology techniques are being used. 1.) We study the physiological role and regulation of single small-conductance chloride channels, CFTR, which are activated by cAMP through phosphorylation by protein kinase A. 2.) We study the ability of CFTR to function as a molecular gating switch for the renal potassium channel ROMK by regulating the ATP sensing of ROMK.
Dr. Boulpaep can be reached at emile.boulpaep@yale.edu.