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James E. Mahaney, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Biomedical Division and Research and Medical Education
Associate Professor / Discipline Chair for Biochemistry
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Research Building II, Room 1011
Tele: 540-231-1948, (Office); 540-231-1491 (Lab)
Fax: 540-231-5252
Email:jmahaney@vcom.vt.edu |
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Discipline: |
Biochemistry |
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Education: |
| 1984 |
Virginia Tech |
B.S. |
| 1989 |
University of VIrginia |
Ph.D. |
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Currently Teaching: |
Biochemistry |
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Physiology |
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Nutrition |
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Current Research: |
The goal of his research program is to help elucidate the molecular mechanism of calcium transport regulation in the heart. This work involves the Ca-ATPase, which transports calcium into the sarcoplasmic reticulum to promote cardiac muscle relaxation, and phospholamban, a small phosphoprotein that regulates the Ca-ATPase in the heart. To address these questions, he is using a combination of molecular biology, biophysical spectroscopy and biochemical kinetics to investigate the physical and functional interactions between the Ca-ATPase and PLB. A central feature of this research program is the use of the baculovirus-High Five insect cell expression system to produce Ca-ATPase and phospholamban samples for his studies. Use of this expression system allows us to study the physical and kinetic properties of the Ca-ATPase in the absence and presence of phospholamban. In addition, this system allows to control the ratio of Ca-ATPase to phospholamban in his samples and to study Ca-ATPase and / or phospholamban mutants. A number of heart-disease states are linked directly to abnormal phospholamban Ca-ATPase interactions. |
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Current Academic and Clinical Service: |
Ad hoc reviewer for several scientific journals |
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Professional and Community Activities: |
Biophysical Society |
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American Heart Association, Study Section Member |
VCOM – Virginia Campus • VCOM – Carolinas Campus