Cardiac Cellular Physiology
Credits: 2
Course Master: John Lederer, M.D., Ph.D.

Covers cardiac cellular physiology, electrophysiology, and molecular biology through lectures, readings, and discussions. Topics change yearly to follow recent work but have included: channels in the sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum; ion exchangers and pumps; signal transduction mechanisms; excitation-contraction coupling in heart muscle; novel aspects of cardiac muscle mechanics; and review of new molecular, optical, and electrical methods. In 2008 the topics are: mitochondrial biology, ROS and redox signaling and stem cells but may be modified if requested by the students. Quantitative examination of molecular and cellular biology and pathobiology of cardiac cells is emphasized. State-of-the-art biophysical, electrophysiological, optical/imaging and systems biological approaches are discussed.

Students present and discuss assigned papers during the first half of the course and (with much guidance) write a mock grant application (American Heart Association Format) during the second half of the course. The students will then review and write critiques of the other grants. Every year at least one of the mock grants has been submitted to a funding agency and has been funded.

Offered every other Fall.

Offered in: Fall