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My
laboratory investigates the ion translocating ATPases. At the present time
we are actively pursuing two fundamentally different lines of research.
One project investigates structure-function relationships in F1F0
ATP synthase, and the other addresses molecular regulation of the renal
H+,K+-ATPase. Our experiments make use of combinations
of state-of-the-art molecular biology and biochemistry approaches.
F1F0 ATP synthases are responsible for the central metabolic function of ATP synthesis. As a result, the F1F0 ATP synthases are virtually ubiquitous throughout biology. Members of this enzyme family are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotic cells, in the chloroplast thylakoid membrane of plant cells, and the cytoplasmic membrane of most prokaryotes. (click here for more on F1F0 ATP synthases) The primary organ involved in maintaining bloodstream ionic balance is the kidney. H+,K+-ATPase activity was discovered in the kidney by our long-time collaborator here at UF, Dr. Charles Wingo (Department of Medicine). This enzyme hydrolyzes ATP to drive exchange of ions along the nephron, and the pump functions to both conserve potassium and acidify the urine. Therefore, the renal H+,K+-ATPases are directly involved in both pH and potassium homeostasis. (click here for more on the H+,K+-ATPase)
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last updated May 15, 2001 |
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