Khaled Machaca, PhD
Professor of Physiology and BiophysicsAssociate Dean for Basic Science Research
Dr. Machaca has a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Emory University where he studied the genetics and electrophysiology of spermatogenesis in the model genetic system, C. elegans. After a postdoctoral fellowship studying the regulation of Ca2+-activated Cl channels, Dr. Machaca established his own Laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Dr. Machaca joined the WCMC-Q faculty in 2007.
The research interests of the Machaca Lab focus on the regulation and specificity of Ca2+ signaling pathways. Ca2+ is an important second messenger for cellular physiology mediating processes ranging from secretion to fertilization. The Machaca Lab investigates the modulation of Ca2+ pathways during oocyte maturation. Specifically as it relates to IP3-dependent Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, store-operated Ca2+ entry (soce) and PMCA-dependent Ca2+ extrusion. In addition the Machaca Lab is interested in understanding the role of Ca2+ and transition metals particularly Zn2+ in the progression of the meiotic cell cycle. Other interests in the Lab include the regulation of TRP channels, the role of RNAi as an antiviral defense mechanism in C. C. elegans (a collaboration with Dr. Marie Chow), and the mechanisms maintaining meiotic arrest. These studies use a range of experimental approaches, including confocal Ca2+ imaging, electrophysiology, immunofluorescence and various other biochemical and cell biological techniques. In addition, in collaboration with Dr. Peter Jung we are using mathematical modeling to better understand the regulation of Ca2+ signaling during oocyte maturation.