A List
6/19/06

SLU BIOLOGIST AWARDED GRANT BY NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

CANTON - St. Lawrence University Assistant Professor of Biology Ana Y. Estevez has been awarded a $22,500 Research Starter Grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in normal organismal physiology.

Estevez earned her bachelor's degree from Binghamton University and her Ph.D. from Wayne State University.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are a family of calcium channels that has been identified in a wide range of organisms including flies, worms and humans. While the precise biological functions of most TRP channels are not completely understood, it is evident that they play an important biological role in humans, as a variety of diseases - including polycystic kidney disease, prostate cancer, hypertension and melanoma - have been found to result from channel mutations or alterations in channel activity.

"Investigating the normal physiological function, mode of activation and mechanisms of regulation of TRP channels will be important for understanding their role in disease states and their role as potential therapeutic targets," Estevez said.

The aim of the research project is to study the function of TRP channels in C. elegans, a small non-parasitic roundworm. Estevez will be assisted in her research by Alejandra Marrero '08, of the Bronx, and John Munsey '08, of Burnt Hills, NY, who have been awarded University Fellowships.

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For more information: Science At St. Lawrence