Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology

Title: Professor
Department: Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte
Email: kleyman@msx.dept-med.pitt.edu
PubMed: Link
Dept / Lab Webpage: http://www.dept-med.pitt.edu/renal/faculty_info.aspx?fp=5107
CBMP groups: Cell Communication, Signaling and Ion Channel Biology

Research Interests

Cellular and molecular characteristics of epithelial Na+ channels. Recent work has focused on the defining the subunit stoichiometry of the Na+ channel, characterizing the structure of the channel’s pore, and on the identification of sites within Na+ channel subunits that facilitate subunit interactions and assembly.

Regulation of epithelial Na+ channels. We are examining mechanisms by which selected hormones regulate epithelial Na+ channels. Recent studies have focused on the regulation of epithelial Na+ channels by mechanical forces and by the hormone aldosterone. We have initiated studies directed at identifying K+ channels in renal collecting tubules that are regulated by mechanical forces.

Functional interactions between epithelial Na+ channels and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channels. We are examining mechanisms by which Na+ channels are functionally altered in cystic fibrosis.