Susan Hamilton

Susan Hamilton is a Professor and holder of the L. F. McCollum Chair in Molecular Physiology at Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Integrative Physiology, where she leads the Susan Hamilton Lab. Her research focuses on calcium signaling pathways in striated muscle, particularly through ryanodine receptors (RyR1) and their role in muscle performance, metabolism, and diseases like malignant hyperthermia and central core disease. The lab employs integrative techniques spanning molecular biology to whole-animal physiology, including

• Biochemistry
• Animal Imaging (PET/CT, MRI)
• Live Cell Calcium/ROS Imaging
• Multi-Reaction Monitoring for Post-Translational Modifications

Current research explores how calcium homeostasis alterations affect muscle energy expenditure and systemic metabolism, with implications for obesity and diabetes. Funding is provided by the NIH, American Heart Association, and Muscular Dystrophy Association. The lab includes Assistant Professor Chang Seok Lee and Research Assistant Ting Chang. Publications show sustained work on

• RyR1 Mutation Pathophysiology
• Calmodulin-Calcium Channel Interactions
• Therapeutic Development for Muscle Diseases