Structure and Function of Regulatory Proteins

赫斯博士正在研究蛋白质是如何 组成细胞膜上的通道， 识别环境中的信号，并打开或关闭 控制离子的通过。 离子的运动 产生导致进一步事件（肌肉）的信号 收缩、神经传导、激素分泌等）。 的 研究人员开发了测量 当外界信号 结合膜受体，通道打开，离子 流 具体的系统将与调查 目前的资助涉及那些利用乙酰胆碱作为 外部信号，特别是如何磷酸化 膜受体影响其特性。

Dr. Hess is investigating the way in which the proteins that consititute the channels in cell membranes function as they recognize a signal in the environment and open or close to control the passage of ions. The movement of the ions then produces a signal that leads to a further event (muscle contraction, nerve conduction, hormone secretion, etc.). The investigator has developed techniques for the measurement of the very fast reactions that occur when an outside signal binds the membrane receptor, the channel opens, and ions flow. The specific system to be investigated with the current grant involves those that utilize acetyl choline as the external signal and in particular how phosphorylation of the membrane receptor affects its properties.