Epithelia & Membrane Transport
The Epithelia and Membrane Transport Theme is an exciting multidisciplinary field which is focused upon how molecules are transported across the membrane of a single cell or across an epithelium. These transport mechanisms at the cellular level underpin a plethora of physiological processes including the generation of nerve impulses, cellular signalling, metabolism, muscle contraction, and cardiac function.
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The Physiological Society and, in particular the EMT Section, have been an important focal point for myself and my research group since I arrived at RCSI in 2005. I, and my students, have had the opportunity to showcase our research, organise symposia in areas of high research interest, and get to know some of the finest physiologists in our field of study. I have benefitted immensely from the work of Theme Leads that have gone before me and as Theme Lead myself, I hope to give something back to the section by helping to ensure that current and future generations of physiologists enjoy the same benefits as I did. Working with the other EMT Theme Leads, I hope that we can build on the current strengths to maintain and grow our engagement.
Dr Stephen Keely, Epithelia & Membrane Transport Theme Lead
More information about Dr Stephen Keely
Dr Stephen Keely, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Since starting my PhD studies at University College Dublin in 1991, my research has focused primarily on investigating mechanisms that regulate intestinal physiology in health and disease. In particular, understanding the role of the intestinal epithelium in gut transport and barrier function, how it becomes dysregulated in conditions of disease, and how we can ultimately target these cells for the treatment of common chronic intestinal disorders . I carried out my postdoctoral training in the Dept. of Gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego and returned to Ireland in 2005. With funding from Science Foundation Ireland and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, I established a Gastroenterology Research Group within the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Specialities in this Theme
| CS | Cellular signalling |
| CP | Comparative physiology |
| EMT | Epithelia & membrane transport |
| GIT | Gastrointestinal tract |
| IC | Ion channels |
| MEP | Microvascular & endothelial physiology |
| NE | Neuroendocrinology |
| PP | Placental & perinatal physiology |
| RP | Renal physiology |
| Resp | Respiratory physiology |
| SM | Smooth muscle |
| TE | Teaching |