The Department of Physiology offers the Program in Cellular & Molecular Physiology (CMP) which provides students the academic background, experimental tools and analytical skills needed to pursue questions about cell and organ function in new and innovative ways.
Students are exposed to imaging techniques, single and whole cell patch clamp techniques, and molecular techniques such as cloning, RT-PCR, microarray analysis and mutagenesis, allowing them to respond to new challenges in cellular and molecular physiology. The program is strong in the study of membrane proteins and their associated signaling pathways, including:
- Na+/H+ exchangers.
- oxalate transporters.
- voltage-gated calcium and potassium channels.
- stretch-activated ion channels.
- gap junction channels.
- IP3 receptors.
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- adrenergic receptors.
- growth hormone receptors.
- nerve growth factor receptors.
- NMDA receptors.
- neurotensin receptors.
- purinergic receptors.
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While most labs are focused on functional questions at the cellular and molecular level, this training program provides a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of research areas ranging from single molecules to the entire human body. There is considerable interest in contributing to the understanding of various disease states, including:
- alcoholism.
- asthma.
- cardiovascular diseases.
- prostate cancer.
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- kidney diseases.
- diabetes.
- neurological disorders.
- aging.
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Faculty members have expertise in both the modern (biophysical, biochemical and molecular aspects of cell and tissue function) and classical (study of organ system function) areas of physiological sciences. The novel and innovative approaches and the overall quality of this broad-based program benefits students in their future careers in the physiological sciences.
Requirements for Specialization
The multidisciplinary program of study includes general as well as specialized research projects, courses and tutorials on a specific research topic and/or technique. CMP graduate students are required to complete:
- GSBS Core Courses
- PY710, The Cell Works - Principles of Cell Physiology
- PY750, The Body Works: Cellular and Organ Physiology
- PY800 Seminar in Physiology which helps students develop presentation skills by giving annual talks on their dissertation research.
- One additional elective course is chosen by the student from courses offered by CMO or another PhD program at UMMS.
Physical chemistry is strongly recommended for specialization in physiology. Students are also encouraged to gain competence in exposition, statistics and computer programming since these skills are used extensively by biomedical scientists irrespective of subdiscipline.
The CMP training program is broad based and includes
- channel and receptor biophysics.
- cardiovascular, renal and transport physiology.
- endocrinology.
- mechanical, electrophysiological and metabolic properties of muscle.
- electrophysiology of neurons.
- regulation of cellular and tissue metabolism.
- related aspects of molecular biology, biochemistry and neuroscience.
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