Channels and Transporters MPhil – (M.Phil.)

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.

The vast majority of chronic diseases can be related to abnormal structure or function of one or more membrane transport proteins. Research within the Channels and Transporters group spans the molecular structure, function and regulation of these important proteins, as well as their pharmacology and role in disease. Particular areas of interest include pancreatic stem cells and diabetes, fluid and electrolyte transport in epithelial cells, chloride channels in the choroid plexus, potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, cardiac and neuronal voltage gated calcium channels, oxygen-sensing ion channels, urea transporters and calcium-sensing receptors in the kidney and vasculature. Research addresses the characterisation of ion channel and transporter genes, trafficking and localisation of ion channels in the membrane, spatio-temporal patterning of cytosolic calcium signals and other signalling pathways, such as the inositol lipids. Future work will continue to advance knowledge and understanding of transport mechanisms in these physiologically important areas.