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James Cheetham is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Carleton University, where he serves as an Undergraduate Co-op Advisor. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Ph.D. from McMaster University. His research focuses on membrane biochemistry, particularly the protein-lipid interactions that are central to various biological processes such as signal transduction and neurotransmitter release. Cheetham's work delves into the role of synapsins, a family of proteins associated with synaptic vesicles, which are crucial for sustaining neurotransmitter release during high-frequency stimulation. His studies have demonstrated that synapsins stabilize synaptic vesicles by modulating lipid packing in membranes. Utilizing a blend of biophysical techniques and molecular biology, he investigates how phospholipid composition impacts protein interactions with membranes. Cheetham's innovative tethered particle system model simulates the behavior of presynaptic nerve terminals, enhancing our understanding of factors influencing vesicle clustering and neurotransmitter release reliability.
Includes MEng and MASc options.