John Hanrahan

John Hanrahan is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at McGill University, leading the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Function Laboratory. His research focuses on understanding epithelial chloride transport mechanisms, particularly the CFTR protein’s role in cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He employs electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology techniques to study CFTR structure-function relationships and develop therapeutic correctors for CFTR mutations.

Education: BSc(Hon) from Dalhousie University, PhD from University of British Columbia, and postdoctoral training at Yale University.

Research emphasizes: 1) CFTR clustering dynamics and lipid membrane interactions, 2) CFTR corrector drug development (e.g., MCG1516A, LAU-7b), 3) CFTR’s role in mucus production and host defense, and 4) pharmacological modulation of cyclic nucleotide pathways. Recent work explores combinations of CFTR modulators and lipid metabolism interventions to address CF pathophysiology.

Key findings include demonstrating lipid-driven CFTR clustering defects in CF and identifying novel compounds that restore CFTR trafficking. His studies also reveal CFTR’s interplay with bitter taste receptors (T2R14) and PDE enzymes in immune responses.