Swetha Murthy

Swetha Murthy is an Assistant Scientist at the Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), leading the Murthy Lab focused on mechanotransduction and mechanically activated ion channels. Her research investigates how cells convert mechanical forces into biological signals through ion channels, with implications for touch sensation, pain, and cardiovascular regulation.

Educational background:

• B.S. from Bangalore University, India
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry from State University of New York, Buffalo (2012)
• Postdoctoral training with Ardem Patapoutian at Scripps Research

Murthy's research centers on defining molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction, particularly through OSCA/TMEM63 ion channels. Her lab employs patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, structural studies, and mouse genetics to investigate channel gating, biophysical properties, and physiological roles. Key interests include force-sensing mechanisms, channel diversity across species, and contributions to mammalian physiology including sensory processing and blood pressure regulation.

Analysis of her 2018-2023 publications reveals consistent focus on structural and functional characterization of mechanosensitive channels, particularly TMEM63 family proteins. Her work demonstrates evolutionary conservation from plants to mammals, elucidates biophysical properties like gating thresholds, and establishes physiological relevance in sensory neurons. This research advances understanding of mechanobiology with potential applications for pain disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

The Murthy Lab operates within OHSU's Vollum Institute, a premier neuroscience research environment with strengths in ion channel physiology and structural biology. The lab actively recruits postdoctoral fellows with expertise in electrophysiology, molecular biology, or mouse genetics to expand mechanotransduction research.