Research

                    

The objective of the research in my laboratory is concerned with obtaining a better understanding of the role of calcium binding proteins in vertebrate signal transduction pathways.  Calcium binding proteins mediate many of the actions of calcium as a second messenger by modulating the activity of other proteins in a calcium dependent manner.  The interaction of calcium with calcium binding proteins causes conformational changes leading to altered affinities for target proteins resulting in alterations in target protein activity. 

My research interests are in the function of calcium binding proteins named calbindin and ictacalcin, and include primary laboratory research and research on the development of teaching techniques, particularly laboratory procedures.  Funding from the NIH has allowed me to establish a fully operational biotechnology research laboratory in the Science building that I use to conduct my research and train undergraduate students.   The research projects are specifically aimed at incorporating undergraduates for short-term research projects lasting one to two semesters and extending into the summer.  Students present their work at local scientific meetings and publish their findings.

We are presently directing new research towards tissue culture experimentation.  The preliminary studies will focus on calcium binding proteins in various cells lines, and the results will help determine the future research direction of the laboratory.

Angela R. Porta Copyrights 2003. All Rights Reserve.