Photo of Kenneth W. GasserKenneth W. Gasser

associate professor, undergraduate adviser

Research in the lab focuses on aspects of cell biology using pancreatic secretion as a model system. In particular we are interested in studying the regulatory mechanisms that coordinate secretory granule production with exocytotic release. We are currently involved in studies on the role nitric oxide and various protein kinase C isoforms in the Erk-MAP-kinase signal transduction cascade. In addition, we are examining the role of several vesicle G-proteins and phosphatidlyinositol 3-kinase in the recruitment and formation of the exocytotic fusion complex as well as control of secretory vesicle ion channels. Other interests include calcium homeostasis and the role of the cytoskeleton in coordinating synthesis and release during secretion.

Representative Publications

Hahin, R, J. Larsen and K. Gasser. 2008. Predictions of the ED50 for action potential block for aliphatic solutes. J. Membrane Biol. 221:2 73-85.

DP Lotshaw, WS Grayburn, LS Yasui, KW Gasser. 2008. Expression of the two-pore domain potassium channel, TASK-2, in rat pancreatic acinar cell zymogen granule membrane. FASEB J 22, 938.

Connelly, R., K. Gasser, and D. Traber. 2006. CCD and NO coordinate the assembly of a multi-protein complex leading to Erk activation. Nitric Oxide 14:2-3.

Blaine, K., Gasser, K., and Conway, S. (1999) Influence of fetal alcohol exposure on the GABAergic regulation of growth hormone release in postnatal rats. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 23(10):1681-1690.

Larsen, J.K., Gasser, K.W., and R. Hahin. 1996. An analysis of dimethyl sulfoxide-induce action potential block: A comparative study of DMSO and other aliphatic water soluble solutes. Toxicology & Appl. Pharmacol.140(2):296-314. 

Gasser, K.W., Holda, J.R. The effect of phospholipase A2 on chloride transport by pancreatic secretory granules. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1194:123- 130; 1994. 

Gasser, K.W., Holda, J.R. ATP-sensitive potassium transport by the pancreatic secretory granule membrane. American Journal of Physiology 264:G137-G142; 1993.

Gasser, K.W., Hopfer, U. Chloride transport across the membranes of parotid secretory granules. Am. J. Physiol. 259:C413-C420; 1990.

Gasser, K.W., Goldsmith, A., Hopfer, U. Regulation of chloride transport in parotid secretory granules by membrane fluidity. Biochemistry 29:7282-7288; 1990.

Thevenod, F., Gasser, K.W., Hopfer, U. Dual modulation of chloride conductance by nuleotides in pancreatic and parotid zymogen granules. Biochem. J. 272:119-126; 1990.

Hopfer, U., Gasser, K.W. Isolation of physiologically responsive secretory granules from exocrine tissues. In: Methods in Enzymology, Biomembranes: Biological Transport. S. Fleischer and R. Fleischer eds. Vol 174:162-172; 1989.

Sharma, B.K., Gasser, K.W., Hopfer, U. Properties of rabbit pepsinogen granules. Gastroenterology 96:1049-1057; 1989.

Gasser, K.W., DiDomenico, J., Hopfer, U. Secretagogues activate chloride transport pathways in pancreatic zymogen granules. Am. J. Physiol. 254 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 17):G93-G99; 1988.

Gasser, K.W., DiDomenico, J., Hopfer, U. Separation of cell organelles in density gradients based on their permeability characteristics. Anal. Biochem. 171:41-46; 1988.

Gasser, K.W., DiDomenico, J., Hopfer, U. Potassium transport in pancreatic and parotid zymogen granules. Am. J. Physiol. 255 (Cell Physiol. 225:C705- C711; 1988

Research Interests

Photo of Ken Gasser's ResearchResearch in the lab focuses on aspects of cell biology using pancreatic secretion as a model system. In particular we are interested in studying the regulatory mechanisms that coordinate secretory granule production with exocytotic release. We are currently involved in studies on the role nitric oxide and various protein kinase C isoforms in the Erk-MAP-kinase signal transduction cascade. In addition, we are examining the role of several vesicle G-proteins and phosphatidlyinositol 3-kinase in the recruitment and formation of the exocytotic fusion complex as well as control of secretory vesicle ion channels. Other interests include calcium homeostasis and the role of the cytoskeleton in coordinating synthesis and release during secretion.

 

Curriculum Vitae

Degrees

Ph.D. 1985, Washington State University 

M.S. , 1979, Murray State University 

B.S. , 1976, Bowling Green State University 

Field of Interest: Cell physiology

Contact

kgasser@niu.edu
(815) 753-7815
Office: MO 356; Lab: MO. 419
Dept. of Biological Sciences Nothern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115