Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology

描述（由申请人提供）：综合膜生物学培训计划（TPIMB）旨在培养生物膜生物学，生物物理学和生理学的博士生。现在是第三个十年，TPIMB继续领导马里兰大学医学院（UM SOM）分子，细胞和系统生物学界面的跨学科培训工作，重点关注细胞膜和胞内膜在介导和整合细胞功能及其与环境相互作用中的作用。该计划的指导思想是，研究膜生物物理学和生理学，以及基于膜的信号级联，可以为健康和患病状态下的细胞和组织的生物学提供独特的见解。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology (TPIMB) is designed to train predoctoral students in the biology, biophysics, and physiology of biological membranes. Now in its 3rd decade, the TPIMB continues to lead the effort in interdisciplinary training at the interface of molecular, cell, and systems biology at th University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM), by focusing on the role of the cell membrane and intracellular membranes in mediating and integrating the functions of cells and their interactions with the environment. The program is guided by the idea that studies of membrane biophysics and physiology, and of membrane-based signaling cascades, can provide unique insights into the biology of cells and tissues, in both healthy and diseased states. The faculty of the TPIMB, now numbering 37 individuals, are well funded, highly interactive, and devoted to mentoring students studying a broad range of subjects related to Membrane Biology. Mentors are selected for their interests, extramural support, and commitment to mentoring. Trainees are also selected based on their interests, as well as graduate course grades, standardized test scores, recommendations, and previous research experience. A core course in Cell and Molecular Biology, common to all laboratory research- based graduate education at UM SOM, is required. Students are also required to take a series of upper level courses on membrane biochemistry and biophysics, and on links between membrane defects and human diseases, as well as a class in research ethics. They also take introductory and/or advanced courses in Cellular and Systems Physiology, Pharmacology, or Neuroscience. Trainees participate regularly in student-oriented activities, such as seminars, monthly get-togethers, and an annual retreat. The UM SOM supports this program generously through contributions to faculty salary, additional stipends for students, and funds for the TPIMB's regular activities. Current NIH funding supports 7 trainees but leaves many following our curriculum and taking part in our activities without support. The strength of our graduate training efforts, successes in recent recruitment, and the stable federal funding at the UM SOM suggest that continued funding for our program is well justified. With continued support, the faculty and students in the TPIMB can continue to spearhead the effort to integrate training in cell and systems biology at the UM SOM.