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The Program in Molecular Physiology (PMP) brings together a group of resident and visiting scientists who share common interests in the molecular bases of cellular physiology. Through diverse subjects the member laboratories focus on cellular plasticity and the properties of molecular transport mechanisms. A variety of experimental approaches are used ranging from molecular and biochemical methodologies, through biophysics, to advanced optical and electrochemical imaging techniques. An example of a research area spanning the independent laboratories within PMP is the role of metabolism and the mitochondrion in health and disease. How, for example, does the mitochondrion contribute to insulin secretion, heme synthesis, or channel modulation? Does the aging process, targeting metabolic disorders, contribute to reproductive and neural malfunction, degeneration and apoptosis?
In addition to our interests in basic biology the laboratories of the PMP carry on a strong tradition within the Marine Biological Laboratory resident programs for instrumentation development. The BRC, a national resource (NIH:NCRR), has pioneered the use of electrochemical sensors to define cellular activity through monitoring conditions in the extended boundary layer.
A notable characteristic of the PMP is the extensive year round collaborative outreach to regional universities and hospitals. Members contribute to three Boston based NIH Program Project Grants in protein trafficking, diabetes and anemia. Collaboration also allows the group to rapidly advance in areas of topical interest – as with an ongoing initiative to study the molecular physiology of the multi-drug resistant transporters, players of critical interest to cancer research and our understanding of infectious diseases. Annually, the member laboratories host over 40 national and international visitors, taking advantage of the unique combination of scientific and technical expertise concentrated at the Marine Biological Laboratory. Access is provided to experimental platforms, cutting edge imaging techniques and a diverse array of marine models suitable for studying both basic and biomedical problems. Strong collaborative and joint research projects are also underway with other members of the resident MBL community – notably with the Architectural Dynamics Program and the Bay Paul Center.
Principal Research Members
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