About
Dr. Eduardo Ríos is a Professor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at Rush University Medical Center, where he directs the Section of Cellular Signaling. With academic appointments at both the School of Medicine and Rush Medical College, his work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of calcium signaling in muscle cells, particularly the excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
- Education: School of Medicine, Uruguay National University; School of Engineering and School of Sciences, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Key Collaborations: Partnered with institutions like the Toronto clinic for muscle disease studies.
His research has led to groundbreaking discoveries in calcium release channels (RyR), calsequestrin's role in calcium buffering, and the couplonopathies—a class of muscle diseases linked to calcium signaling defects. Using advanced techniques like 4-gap voltage clamps, SEER fluorescence, and Snap-TAG methods, his lab has redefined understanding of calcium store dynamics and membrane voltage measurement.
With over 35 years of publications on calcium signaling, muscle contraction, and related pathologies, his work has been cited extensively. Notable grants include multiple NIH R01 awards and the Hasterlik Philanthropy Award, supporting studies on calsequestrin's role in health and disease.
- Scientific Awards:
- MERIT Award (NIAMS, 1996-2006)
- Mentor of the Year (Rush University, 2013)
Dr. Ríos has mentored 5 senior faculty members, 3 assistant professors, 27 postdocs, 8 graduate students, and 5 physicians through his lab's collaborative environment. His team continues to advance research in muscle physiology and disease mechanisms.
