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Best, Philip M.
Professor, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Bioengineering, Biophysics and Computational Biology
B.A., Duke University
Ph.D., University of Washington
Research Areas
Ion channel function and regulation
My research is concerned with the regulation and function of voltage dependent ion channels. My interests are primarily focused on calcium selective ion channels. We are investigating the structure, function, and physiological relevance of low voltage activated (LVA) calcium channels. These channels are found in the surface membrane of both excitable and secretory cells. In the brain, they are involved in the generation of long-term depression, epileptic activity, and perhaps neuronal remodeling. Expression of LVA calcium channels is associated with periods of growth in many types of cells, including cardiac muscle where high levels of the protein are expressed during hypertrophy. We use a combination of electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques to identify the genes that encode LVA calcium channel proteins, to investigate the stoichometry of channel subunit assembly, and to determine the role played by growth factors in regulating channel expression.
Representative Publications
Larsen, Janice K., Chien-Chang Chen, and Philip M. Best. 2005. Disruption of growth hormone secretion alters [Ca.sup.2+] current density and expression of [Ca.sup.2+] channel and insulin-like growth factor genes in rat atria. The American Journal of Physiology. 228:H829-839.
Hansen, J.P., Chen, R-S., Chu, P-J, Larsen, J.K., Janes, D.M., Weis, K.E., and Best, P.M. Calcium Channel ?6 Subunits are Unique Modulators of Low Voltage-Activated (Cav3.1) Calcium Current. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology 37:1147-58, 2004.
Chu, P-J, Larsen, J.K., Chen, C-C, and Best, P.M. Distribution and relative expression levels of calcium channel ß subunits within the chambers of the rat heart. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology 36:423-434, 2004
Chu, P-J and Best, P.M. Molecular cloning of calcium channel Beta-subunits from rat atria myocytes and the differential regulation of their expression by IGF-1, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Feb; 35(2): 207-15, 2003.
Larsen, J.K., Mitchell, J.W. and Best, P.M. Quantitative analysis of the expression and distribution of calcium channel a1 subunit mRNA in the atria and ventricules of the rat heart. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology 34:519-532, 2002.
Best, P.M., C-C. Chen, and X. Xu. 1997. Regulation of the density of T-type calcium current by growth hormone and IGF-1 in atrial myocytes. Pages 343-350 in Tsien, Clozel, and Nargeot, eds. Low Voltage Activated, T-type Calcium Currents.
Piedras-Renteria, E.S., C-C. Chen, and P.M. Best. 1997. Antisense oligonucleotides against the rat brain a1E gene and its atrial homologue decrease IGF-1 induction of T-type calcium current in atrial myocytes. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:14936-1494.
Piedras-Renteria, E.S., O.D. Sherwood, and P.M. Best. 1997. Effects of relaxin on isolated atrial myocytes. I. Inhibition of Ito via PKA-dependent phosphorylation. Amer. J. Physiol. 272 Heart Circ. Physiol. 41:H1791-1797.
Piedras-Renteria, E.S., O.D. Sherwood, and P.M. Best. 1997. Effects of relaxin on isolated atrial myocytes. II. Increased calcium influx derived from action potential prolongation. Amer. J. Physiol. 272 Heart Circ. Physiol. 41:H1798-1803.
Chu, P.J., Robertson, H.M. and Best, P.M. Calcium channel gamma subunits provide insights into the evolution of this gene family. GENE 280:37-48, 2001
Additional Information
Related Research (By Area):
Cell Signaling and Communication
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