The major goal of Dr. Smith's research interests continues to be the understanding of the cellular mechanisms of the transfer of amino acids, calcium and other major nutrients by the placenta. Membrane functional pathways for transport of neutral, cationic, and anionic amino acids and for the ATP dependent concentrative transport of calcium have been characterized. These investigations have allowed the development of functional cellular models for the fetal supply of calcium and the groups of amino acids and their controls. At present, this characterization is being extended to the molecular level by cloning the cDNAs for various placental membrane cationic amino acid transport proteins, developing procedures for measuring their mRNAs and the changes in their expression during trophoblast cell differentiation. The relationship of cDNA, mRNA and transport protein with transport function in placental membranes is determined by expression of the cloned cDNAs in Xenopus oocyte and cultured epithelial cell models.
Nutrient transport pathways across the epithelium of the placenta.
Please send comments about this site to the web development staff .