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Clifford Slayman, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Cellular And Molecular Physiology
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Contact Info

Cellular & Molecular Physiology

PO Box 208026, 333 Cedar Street

New Haven, CT 06520-8026

United States

About

Titles

Professor Emeritus of Cellular And Molecular Physiology

Biography

A long interest in the physical aspects of membrane transport processes—especially in phenomena related to charge transport—focuses now on proton “pumps,” proton-coupled cation transporters, and potassium channels in the plasma membranes of fungi, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans (a pathogen), and Neurospora crassa. Structure-function analysis of proteins in these organisms is now possible, because of complete genome sequencing, and the laboratory is using site-directed mutagenesis and heterologous expression to analyze functional differences among analogous proteins in the three species. Novel and surprising properties have emerged, for example the development of enormous steady-state membrane voltages (exceeding 350 mV), mediation of active potassium transport by coupling to proton movements, and chloride channeling through potassium transporters. Also, a major current line of investigation is into the mechanisms by which small cationic peptides (so-called RAMPs) produced by a wide variety of plant and animal cells, become lethal to microorganisms, serving thereby as prototypes for new classes of therapeutic drugs. And finally, we have a new line, into the chemistry and morphogenetics of autophagy in fungi.

Appointments

Other Departments & Organizations

Education & Training

PhD
Rockefeller University (1963)
AB
Kenyon College (1958)

Research

Overview

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Fungi; Histatins; Physiology; Potassium Channels; Proton Pumps

Research at a Glance

Publications Timeline

A big-picture view of Clifford Slayman's research output by year.
10Publications
285Citations

Publications

2024

2015

2013

2011

2009

2005

2004

1998

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Contacts

Mailing Address

Cellular & Molecular Physiology

PO Box 208026, 333 Cedar Street

New Haven, CT 06520-8026

United States