Project II
Endogenous ion channels of the Golgi complex
The pH and intra-cisternal ionic environment of the Golgi complex must be carefully regulated to allow the normal organellar functions of posttranslational modifications and sorting of proteins and lipid. The optimal environment is maintained by ion channels or pumps in the Golgi membrane. In a collaboration with John Caldwell, a colleague with expertise in electrophysiology, and a Professor in the Department of Cellular & Structural Biology, we have characterized two large conductance GOLgi Anion Channels, GOLAC-1 and GOLAC-2. The planar lipid bilayer technique was used in the initial description and continues to be used to study the regulation of these channels. We are currently working towards molecularly characterizing these channels using a combination of protein purification techniques and protein identification- which is integrated with our Golgi proteomics projects.