Sergio Grinstein

Sergio Grinstein is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto and a researcher at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. He was Head of the Program in Cell Biology at the Hospital from 1987-2007. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the Centro de Investigacion in Mexico City (1976), postdoctoral work at the Hospital for Sick Children (1976-1978), and a year in the Department of Biochemistry at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (1978-1979).

• Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (1976), Centro de Investigacion, Mexico City
• Postdoctoral Training: Hospital for Sick Children (1976-1978), ETH Zurich (1978-1979)

Research Interests:
Grinstein's laboratory investigates membrane biology and ion transport, focusing on the regulation of intracellular pH and ionic composition in organelles. A second major research theme explores the innate immune response, particularly phagocytosis mechanisms in macrophages, including receptor signaling, pathogen interactions, and the role of tetraspanins like CD9.

Article Trends:
His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary research spanning cell biology, immunology, and biophysics. Key subfields include phagocytosis dynamics, membrane potential regulation, phosphatidylserine function, CD36 signaling, and structural insights into membrane proteins.

• Scientific Awards:
  
  • Ayerst Award of the Canadian Biochemical Society (1987)
  • International Research Scholar, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (1991-2002)
  • Michael Smith Award, Canadian Institutes for Health Research (2004)

Courses Taught:
- BCH 2127H / BCH 2024H: Advances in Optical Microscopy (covers single-molecule to four-dimensional imaging).

Laboratory Overview:
The Grinstein Lab employs innovative techniques to measure organelle pH and ionic composition in live cells, while also studying molecular aspects of innate immunity. The lab utilizes the Hospital for Sick Children's Imaging Facility for advanced life sciences research.