Heterogeneity of calcium signaling in smouth muscle cells

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Calcium is a major activator of the contractile machinery in the smooth muscle cells and its level inside the cell determines the amount of contraction generated by the cell.  Using physiologically intact animal blood vessels and airway, we are proposing to undertake an extensive survey of the pattern and the mechanism of calcium-dependent contraction in various smooth muscle cells.  More specifically, we want to further explore the mechanisms for wave-like calcium oscillations, an important and common signaling mechanism for activating smooth muscle contraction.  We are also planning to study the structures of the different vascular smooth muscle cells in order to understand why different smooth muscle cells behave differently. From the studies, we are hopeful to gain insight into how smooth muscle cells behave in different tissue and organ.