Current Projects:

1. The Bionic Mouse

Mice lacking glucokinase in the pancreas normally never live beyond a few days. The white mouse in the picture lacks glucokinase, but also lacks KATP channels. For this reason it bypasses the need for glucose metabolism in insulin secretion. It remains small and unhealthy but - critically - it can survive. (see Remedi et al. 2005 Diabetes 54, 2925–2931).

2. The Electronic Transducer of Metabolism

Nucleotide interaction with the nucleotide binding folds (NBFs) of the sulfonylurea receptor is the essential link between cell metabolism and activation of KATP channels. The structure of bacterial NBFs indicates an obligate dimeric structure and molecuaklr modeling of SUR NBFs is consistent. (see Ricard Masia homepage)

3. The Ultimate Pore Blocker

In blocking K channels, spermine binds very deeply within the Kir channel pore, so deeply that it moves more charge than it carries through the electrical field. Molecular modeling suggests it can snake all the way into the selectivity filter, pushing K ions through the pore ahead of it. (see Kurata et al. 2004 J. Gen. Physiol. 124, 541-554).