Epithelia form barriers between the inside and outside of an organism. In a regulated manner they transport various solutes and fluid from one side to the other. Epithelial cells forming exocrine glands and the gastrointestinal tract can transport fluid many times higher than their cell volume.

Our general aim is to understand the basic transport processes and their regulation at the cellular level and to integrate these into the normal physiological function of the chosen organs and the body. Pancreas is the main organ of interest, and our goal is to understand  processes involved in pathophysiology of pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, pancreatitis and associated pain and pancreas cancer.

Current research includes projects on acid/base and calcium transport, potassium channels and the role of extracellular ATP and purinergic signalling in regulation of glands and other organs/cells.  We use many techniques, especially advanced bioimaging in our new center.