Development and Digestive Diseases
Gary E. Shull, PhD
Professor
Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology
Description of Research
Ion transport proteins are important in homeostatic processes that are disturbed in a number of human diseases, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney, and skin. To understand the physiological functions of these ion transporters, Dr. Shull is developing mouse models in which their genes have been disrupted, and analyzing them using molecular, physiological, and bioinformatics techniques. This work has revealed a diversity of phenotypes, including systemic acid-base disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, mouse models of congenital diarrheal disease, impaired cardiac performance, reduced blood pressure, profound hearing loss, male infertility, systemic acid-base disorders, and perturbations of transepithelial ion transport in the kidney. Many of the ion transporters for which they have developed knockout mouse models are known to be involved in human diseases. These studies have provided important insights about the physiological functions of these ion transporters in vivo.
Collaborations
Dr. Shull collaborates with Drs. Cohen, Montrose, Tso, and Witte investigating mouse models in which absorption or secretion has been altered in the intestinal tract. Anticipated Core use: Integrative Morphology Core, Gene and Protein Expression Core, and Bioinformatics Core.
