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Clifford L. Slayman

 

Physiology & Integrative Medical Biology; Microbiology; Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics & Development

Professor of Cellular & Molecular Physiology

Education

A.B. Kenyon College 1958
Ph.D. Rockefeller University 1963

Research Interests

Our research into the molecular mechanisms of charge-dependent transport across biological membranes is directed toward two classes of proton pumps (P-type and V-type), a family of proton-coupled potassium transporters (TRK proteins), and a peculiar group of potassium channels which form as intramembrane homodimers (TOKs). All of these are studied in microorganisms, especially fungi, made accessible by full-genome sequences and by advanced electrophysiological techniques. A new, completely unexpected, direction for this research as been the investigation of interactions between specific membrane proteins and the rapidly growing catalogue of small proteins known as “host-defense peptides” or Ribosomally synthesized AntiMicrobial peptides (“RAMPs”). Some of these kill microorganisms by directly forming membrane pores, but more act by stealth, subverting the functions of surface proteins by reaction from the cell interior. One group of RAMPs, the salivary histatins, kills each of our three current “model” organisms: Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Neurospora crassa, by a different molecular route.

Links

• Slayman Homepage

Recent Publications

• Rivetta, A., Slayman, C.L., and Kuroda, T. (2005). Quantitative modeling of chloride conductance in yeast TRK potassium transporters. Biophys. J. 89:2412-2426.
• Baev, D., et al. (2004). The TRK1 potassium transporter is the critical effector for killing of Candida albicans by the cationic protein, Histatin 5. J. Biol. Chem. 279:55060-55072.

Contact

E-mail
clifford.slayman@yale.edu