Dr. Kevin Foskett

Biography

J. Kevin Foskett is an esteemed professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, specializing in Physiology. His research encompasses a wide array of topics, including ion channels, calcium signaling, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Dr. Foskett’s lab focuses on the molecular physiology of intracellular signaling, particularly through the inositol trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R). His work is pivotal in understanding calcium release mechanisms that are vital for numerous cellular processes, including secretion, gene transcription, and responses to pathological states such as Alzheimer’s disease and cystic fibrosis. With a strong emphasis on the development of novel techniques, he trains students to explore complex biophysical interactions in cell biology. His lab is recognized internationally for its contributions to understanding how calcium signaling influences cell survival and regulates processes essential to both normal physiology and disease states. Foskett's significant findings include the interaction of anti-apoptotic proteins with InsP3R and the discovery of critical roles played by mitochondrial calcium uptake mechanisms in health and disease, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

Research Interests