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James Hurley is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Washington. His research focuses on understanding energy metabolism in photoreceptors, particularly how these cells manage energy demands in varying light conditions. The Hurley lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of light and dark adaptation in vertebrate retinas, studying how neurons and their associated proteins respond to changes in illumination. The lab aims to characterize the proteins involved in transduction pathways within rods and cones, which are crucial for vision under different light conditions. This includes proteins like rhodopsin and transducin, as well as enzymes that modulate phototransduction mechanisms. The group employs sophisticated biochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral strategies to evaluate the contributions of these proteins to the viability of photoreceptors. Their work includes analyzing genetic alterations in animals such as mice and zebrafish that affect rod and cone function to better understand the regulatory mechanisms underpinning vision.
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