Biology of p5-type cation-transporting atpases

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The goal of my research program is to understand the mechanisms by which membrane proteins maintain the right balance of calcium level essential for normal neuronal cell function. Cell membranes contain various well described transport proteins, which enable calcium to enter (or leave) the cell. I have recently isolated five novel members of the human subfamily of P5-type transporters, called ATP13A1 to ATP13A5, classified as calcium transporters. This is of special interest, since calcium plays a central role in neuronal physiology including neuronal maturation, differentiation, and cell death. The main objectives of the currently proposed research program are to understand the biological function of P5-type pumps, to provide experimental evidence that they are involved in calcium homeostasis, and to show that they have distinct functions from the major known calcium transporters. The emphasis will be on their biological role in the developing and mature nervous system. My lab integrates various modern molecular methodologies in the area of genetics, neuroscience and cell physiology to study biochemical properties of proteins. I will study the expression and mechanisms of regulation during normal brain development, and potential physiological changes associated with defects in their activity. This program of study will provide new insights into the nature of membrane ion translocation, and it will help to elucidate novel and distinctive mechanisms of calcium regulation.