research

Research Interests
The major focus of the research in the Goodenough laboratory is on intercellular junctions. Cells are almost universally joined to each other by gap junctions comprised of low-resistance channels which allow intercellular diffusion of ions (electrical coupling) and small metabolites (metabolic coupling). Electrical coupling in electrically excitable tissues, such as myocardium, permits cell-to-cell passage of action potentials and the coordination of beating of the individual myocytes. The total range of functions of these low-resistance pathways between nonexcitable cells, such as between liver and lens cells, is not known, but the channels do permit cellular exchange of all small metabolites, second messengers, and ions. Cells also collectively can form continuous sheets (epithelia) which function as permeability barriers separating biological compartments. To seal the spaces between cells, tight junctions form between epithelial cells which deny molecules passage between compartments.
Research Projects
Gap junction channels are composed of connexins, a family of integral membrane proteins which oligomerize into intercellular channels. The function of the connexins are being studied by targeted gene disruption in mice.  Both integral and membrane-associated proteins have been localized as part of the tight junction structure, including the claudin protein family, occludin, and the ZO protein family. The functions of these molecules tight junction biogenesis and function are being studied in cultured epithelial cells and by mouse genetics.