Rob Kirkton, BS

 

My research interests involve the molecular mechanisms and cellular components that influence the mechanical and electrical properties of cardiac cells. Through the functional expression of cardiac ion channels within myocyte and fibroblast networks, I hope to identify specific ionic properties that can alter electrical function and dysfunction in cardiac tissues. These studies will provide further insights into the molecular determinants of arrhythmogenesis and the potential to genetically modify the structural and functional properties in diseased cardiac tissue for therapeutic purposes.

 

The connexin-43 gene was cloned from neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and subcloned within a bicistronic mammalian expression plasmid that enables both the expression of Cx43 as well as the mOrange fluorescent reporter. Immunostaining for Cx43 in wild-type and transfected HEK-293 cells shows distinct intercellular junction formation among transfected cells only.