Douglas C. Eaton, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor and Chairman of Physiology
Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 1971
Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology Affiliations:
Director, Center for Cell and Molecular Signaling
Summary of Research Interests:
The goal of my research is to examine the cellular signaling mechanisms which control all aspects of cellular function including cell growth, division, and responses to external stimuli. To examine these signaling mechanisms, I use contemporary methods of cellular and molecular biology including patch voltage clamp methods and expression of cloned signaling molecules in Xenopus oocytes and other expression systems. There are three main areas of cellular signaling research in my laboratory. First, I have been particularly interested in the cellular responses which involve steroid hormones and other lipid molecules particulary as these molecules are responsible for regulation of total body sodium balance. This work has lead us recently to examine defects in cellular signaling which may be responsible for some types of hypertension and electrolyte disorders. Second, I have been examining the signaling mechanisms responsible for the responses of renal cells to growth factors and vasoactive substances like Angiotensin II. This work has direct relevance to understanding the renal pathology of diabetes. Finally, I am interested in the signaling mechanisms which control excitability of ion channels in nerve cells. This work may provide an understanding of the mechanism of action of general anesthetics.
Selected Publications:
Kemendy, A.E.; Eaton, D.C. Aldosterone alters the open probability of amiloride-blockable sodium channels in A6 epithelia. Am. J. Physiol. (Cell) 262:C825-C837; 1992.
Frace, A. M.; Eaton, D.C. Chemical modification of amino groups on calcium activated K+ channels of GH3 cells. Am. J. Physiol. (Cell) 263:C1081-C1087; 1992.
Ohara, A.; Matsunaga, H.; Eaton, D.C. G-protein activation inhibits amiloride-blockable, highly selective sodium channels in A6 cells. Am. J. Physiol. (Cell) 263:C352-C360; 1993.
Matsumoto, P. S.; Ohara, A.; Duchatelle, P.; Eaton, D.C. Tyrosine kinase regulates epithelial sodium transport in A6 cells. Am. J. Physiol. (Cell) 264:C246-C250; 1993.
Ling, B. N.; Kokko K. E.; Eaton D. C. PGE2 activates clusters of apical Cl- channels in principal cells via a cAMP-dependent pathway. J. Clin. Invest. 93:829-837, 1994.
Matsunaga, H; Ling, BN; and Eaton DC. Ca2+-permeable channel associated with platelet- derived growth factor receptor in mesangial cells. Am J Physiol (Cell). 267:C456-465, 1994.
Kokko, K.E.; Matsumoto, P.S.; Ling, B.N.; and Eaton, D.C. Effects of prostaglandin E2 on amiloride-blockable Na+ channels in a distal nephron cell line (A6). Am J Physiol (Cell) 267:C1414-1425, 1994.
Seal, E.E.; Eaton, D.C.; Gomez, L.M.; Ma, H.; Ling, B.N. Extracellular glucose reduces the responsiveness of mesangial cell ion channels to angiotensin II. Am J Physiol (Fluid and Electrolyte) 269:F389-F397, 1995.
Denson, D.D. ; Worrell, R.T.; and Eaton D.C. A possible role for phospholipase A2 in the action of general anesthetics. Am J Physiol (Cell). 270 :C636-C644, 1996.
Ling, B.N.;Zuckerman, J.B.; Lin, C.-M.; Harte, B.J.; McNulty, K.A.; Smith, P.R.; Gomez, L.; Worrell, R.T.; Eaton, D.C and Kleyman, T.R. Expression of the cystic fibrosis phenotype in a renal amphibian epithelial cell line. J. Biol. Chem. 272:594-600, 1997.
Ismailov, I.I.; Kieber-Emmons, T.; Lin, C.-M.; Berdiev, B.K.; Shylonsky, V.G.; Patton, H.K., Fuller, C.M.; Worrell, R.T.; Zuckerman, J.B.; Sun, W.; Eaton, D.C; Benos, D.J.; and Kleyman, T.R. Identification of an amiloride-binding domain within the alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel. J. Biol. Chem. 272:21075-21083, 1997.
Former support:
23 years of NIH support
Current support:
DHHS 1R01 DK-37963. Principal Investigator. "Regulation of ion transport in tight epithelia." 09/01/87 - 08/31/02.
DHHS 1T32 DK-07656. Program Co-Director "Research Training in Nephrology." 07/01/90 - 06/30/95.
DHHS 1P01 DK-50268. Program Director. "Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Renal Transport." 12/01/96 - 11/30/01.
Laboratory personnel:
A. Staff
1. Research
Pam Middleton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Nabil Al-Baldawi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Nina Saxena, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Roger Worrell, Ph.D., Instructor
Gang Yue, M.D., Ph.D., Research Associate
Otor Al-Khalili, Research Specialist II
Hui-Fang Bao, Research Specialist II
Billi Jean Duke, Research Specialist II
Jimin Sun, Research Specialist I
2. Administrative
Glenda Stewart, Research Grant Manager
Jane Fenn, Computer Support Specialist II
B. Trainees
1. Postdoctoral
James Stockand, Ph.D. (NRSA supported)
Bela Malik, Ph.D
2. Graduate students
Ollie Kelly-Appleberry (Emory Minority Fellowship)