Dr Gordon Cooper

School of Biosciences

Senior University Teacher

Examinations Officer

g.j.cooper@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 4667

B2 222a, Alfred Denny Building

Full contact details

Dr Gordon Cooper
School of Biosciences
B2 222a
Alfred Denny Building
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN

Profile

2019 - Present: Senior University Teacher and Examination Officer, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield
2014 - 2019: Senior Lecturer and Examination Officer, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
2002-2014: Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
2000-02: Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield
1999-00: Research Associate - School of Biological Science, University of Manchester
1996-99: Postdoctoral Fellow - Dept. Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, Ct, USA
1993-96: Research Associate - Dept. Physiology, University of Leeds
1990-93: Ph.D. - University of Leeds
1987-90: B.Sc. Physiology (Hons) - University of Leeds

Research interests

Transport of gases and urea by membrane proteins
Function of renal potassium channels

Epithelial Transport and the movement of small solutes across biological membranes

The underlying theme to my research has been the transport of small solutes and ions across biological membranes, in particular within the kidney and other epithelia. The regulated transport of small solutes such as urea and carbon dioxide plays a critical role in whole body homeostasis.

In classifying my current research I would split it into two major themes. Firstly is the transport of water and gases across biological membranes via Aquaporins. This theme incorporates collaborations with Walter Boron (Case Western) and Gordon Cramb (St Andrews). The second theme focuses on the handling of urea by the kidney, a process critical in the ability of the body to concentrate urine. This process of renal urea handling also has implications in the regulation of blood pressure. This theme involves collaborations with Craig Smith (Manchester) and Gavin Stewart (Dublin).

Over the last few years I have been actively involved in the redevelopment of the delivery of Physiology practical classes within the University. As part of a Physiological Society funded project I have co-ordinated the production of an online teaching resource that has facilitated the delivery of undergraduate practical sessions.

Publications

Show: Featured publications All publications

Featured publications

Journal articles

Abbas L, Hajihashemi S, Stead LF, Cooper GJ, Ware TL, Munsey TS, Whitfield TT & White SJ (2011) Functional and developmental expression of a zebrafish Kir1.1 (ROMK) potassium channel homologue Kcnj1.. J Physiol, 589(Pt 6), 1489-1503.
Endeward V, Musa-Aziz R, Cooper GJ, Chen LM, Pelletier MF, Virkki LV, Supuran CT, King LS, Boron WF & Gros G (2006) Evidence that aquaporin 1 is a major pathway for CO2 transport across the human erythrocyte membrane. FASEB Journal, 20(12), 1974-1981.
Cooper GJ & Boron WF (1998) Effect of PCMBS on CO2permeability of Xenopus oocytes expressing aquaporin 1 or its C189S mutant. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 275(6), C1481-C1486.

All publications

Journal articles

Cooper GJ, Occhipinti R & Boron WF (2015) Rebuttal from Gordon J. Cooper, Rossana Occhipinti and Walter F. Boron. The Journal of Physiology, 593(23), 5033-5033.
Cooper GJ, Occhipinti R & Boron WF (2015) CrossTalk proposal: Physiological CO2exchange can depend on membrane channels. The Journal of Physiology, 593(23), 5025-5028.
Abbas L, Hajihashemi S, Stead LF, Cooper GJ, Ware TL, Munsey TS, Whitfield TT & White SJ (2011) Functional and developmental expression of a zebrafish Kir1.1 (ROMK) potassium channel homologue Kcnj1.. J Physiol, 589(Pt 6), 1489-1503.
Laycock S, Taylor HC, Haigh C, Lee AT, Cooper GJ, Ong ACM & Robson L (2009) A novel dephosphorylation-activated conductance in a mouse renal collecting duct cell line.. Exp Physiol, 94(8), 914-927.
Stewart GS, Thistlethwaite A, Lees H, Cooper GJ & Smith C (2009) Vasopressin regulation of the renal UT-A3 urea transporter. AM J PHYSIOL-RENAL, 296(3), F642-F648.
Millar ID, Taylor HC, Cooper GJ, Kibble JD, Barhanin J & Robson L (2006) Adaptive downregulation of a quinidine-sensitive cation conductance in renal principal cells of TWIK-1 knockout mice.. Pflugers Arch, 453(1), 107-116.
Stewart GS, Smith CP & Cooper GJ (2006) Molecular characterization of the mercurial sensitivity of a frog urea transporter (fUT). AM J PHYSIOL-RENAL, 290(6), F1437-F1442.
Endeward V, Musa-Aziz R, Cooper GJ, Chen LM, Pelletier MF, Virkki LV, Supuran CT, King LS, Boron WF & Gros G (2006) Evidence that aquaporin 1 is a major pathway for CO2 transport across the human erythrocyte membrane. FASEB Journal, 20(12), 1974-1981.
Millar ID, Taylor HC, Cooper GJ, Kibble JD & Robson L (2006) A Kir2.3-like K+ conductance in mouse cortical collecting duct principal cells.. J Membr Biol, 211(3), 173-184.
Fowler MR, Cooper GJ & Hunter M (2004) Regulation and identity of intracellular calcium stores involved in membrane cross talk in the early distal tubule of the frog kidney. AM J PHYSIOL-RENAL, 286(6), F1219-F1225.
Stewart GS, Fenton RA, Wang W, Kwon T-H, White SJ, Collins VM, Cooper G, Nielsen S & Smith CP (2004) The basolateral expression of mUT-A3 in the mouse kidney. American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, 286(5), F979-F987.
Cooper GJ & Fong P (2003) Relationship between intracellular pH and chloride in Xenopus oocytes expressing the chloride channel ClC-0.. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 284(2), C331-C338.
Fenton RA, Stewart GS, Carpenter B, Howorth A, Potter EA, Cooper GJ & Smith CP (2002) Characterization of mouse urea transporters UT-A1 and UT-A2. AM J PHYSIOL-RENAL, 283(4), F817-F825.
Collins VM, Cooper GJ & White SJ (2002) Functional implications of an N-terminus truncation on rat ROMK2.. J AM SOC NEPHROL, 13, 71A-71A.
Fenton RA, Cooper GJ, Morris ID & Smith CP (2002) Coordinated expression of UT-A and UT-B urea transporters in rat testis. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 282(6), C1492-C1501.
Cooper GJ, Hill C & White SJ (2002) Effects of the Bartter's syndrome mutation M357T on ROMK2. J PHYSIOL-LONDON, 539, 3P-3P.
Park K, Hurley PT, Roussa E, Cooper GJ, Smith CP, Thévenod F, Steward MC & Case RM (2002) Expression of a sodium bicarbonate cotransporter in human parotid salivary glands. Archives of Oral Biology, 47(1), 1-9.
Cooper GJ, Zhou Y, Bouyer P, Grichtchenko II & Boron WF (2002) Transport of volatile solutes through AQP1. Journal of Physiology, 542(1), 17-29.
Virkki LV, Cooper GJ & Boron WF (2001) Cloning and functional expression of an MIP (AQP0) homolog from killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) lens. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 281(6), R1994-R2003.
Davis BA, Hogan EM, Cooper GJ, Bashi E, Zhao J & Boron WF (2001) Inhibition of K/HCO 3 Cotransport in Squid Axons by Quaternary Ammonium Ions. Journal of Membrane Biology, 183(1), 25-32.
Cooper GJ, Fowler M & Hunter M (2001) Membrane cross-talk in the early distal tubule segment of frog kidney: role of calcium stores and chloride.. Pflugers Arch, 442(2), 243-247.
Fenton RA, Howorth A, Cooper GJ, Meccariello R, Morris ID & Smith CP (2000) Molecular characterization of a novel UT-A urea transporter isoform (UT-A5) in testis. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 279(5), C1425-C1431.
Leipziger J, MacGregor GG, Cooper GJ, Xu J, Hebert SC & Giebisch G (2000) PKA site mutations of ROMK2 channels shift the pH dependence to more alkaline values. American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, 279(5), F919-F926.
Walsh PJ, Heitz MJ, Campbell CE, Cooper GJ, Medina M, Wang YS, Goss GG, Vincek V, Wood CM & Smith CP (2000) Molecular characterization of a urea transporter in the gill of the gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta). Journal of Experimental Biology, 203(15), 2357-2364.
Cooper GJ & Boron WF (1998) Effect of PCMBS on CO2permeability of Xenopus oocytes expressing aquaporin 1 or its C189S mutant. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 275(6), C1481-C1486.
Cooper GJ & Hunter M (1997) Intracellular pH and calcium in frog early distal tubule: effects of transport inhibitors.. The Journal of Physiology, 498(1), 49-59.
Cooper GJ & Hunter M (1996) Role of de novo protein synthesis and calmodulin in rapid activation of Na(+)-H+ exchange of aldosterone in frog diluting segment.. The Journal of Physiology, 491(1), 219-223.
Cooper GJ & Hunter M (1994) Na(+)-H+ exchange in frog early distal tubule: effect of aldosterone on the set-point.. The Journal of Physiology, 479(3), 423-432.
Cooper G, Hurst A, Lynch P & Hunter M (1994) Pump-Leak Coupling in the Amphibian Diluting Segment. Kidney and Blood Pressure Research, 17(3-4), 138-142.
COOPER GJ & KOHN PG (1980) ALPHA-AMINOISOBUTYRIC-ACID TRANSPORT IN RAT SOLEUS MUSCLE AND ITS MODIFICATION BY MEMBRANE STABILIZERS AND INSULIN. J PHYSIOL-LONDON, 302(MAY), 89-105.
Cooper G (1979) Myocardial energetics during isometric twitch contractions of cat papillary muscle. American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 236(2), H244-H253.
COOPER GJ & KOHN PG (1977) MECHANISM OF 2-AMINO-ISO-BUTYRIC ACID EFFLUX FROM RAT SOLEUS MUSCLE AND ITS MODIFICATION BY MEMBRANE STABILIZER, TETRACAINE. J PHYSIOL-LONDON, 271(2), P20-P20.
COOPER GJ & KOHN PG (1973) EFFECT OF TETRACAINE ON 2-AMINOISOBUTYRIC ACID TRANSPORT IN MUSCLE. J PHYSIOL-LONDON, 229(1), P23-&.

Conference proceedings papers

Collins VM, Cooper GJ & White SJ (2006) Apical membrane targeting of ROMK2 is independent of N-linked glycosylation. FASEB JOURNAL, Vol. 20(4) (pp A328-A328)
White SJ, Cooper GJ, Hajihashemi S, Ware TL & Murray LA (2003) Cloning and functional expression of zebrafish (Danio rerio) ROMK2 (Kir1.1 b).. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY, Vol. 14 (pp 79A-79A)
Cooper GJ (2003) The functional unit of a frog urea transporter (fUT) is multimeric.. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY, Vol. 14 (pp 75A-75A)
White SJ, Hajihasemi S, Cooper GJ, Robson L & Ortega B (2003) A C-terminal mutation enhances ROMK2 stability in oocytes and MDCK cells.. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY, Vol. 14 (pp 78A-78A)
Collins VM, Cooper GJ & White SJ (2002) The N terminus of ROMK2 is necessary for channel function but not membrane trafficking. JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON, Vol. 544 (pp 8P-8P)
Cooper GJ & Hunter M (1993) Alteration of Na⁺-H⁺ exchanger setpoint by furosemide (frusemide) in frog isolated early distal tubule (EDT). Journal of Physiology, Vol. 467
Cooper G, Stone V & Hunter M (1992) Furosemide induces cytoplasmic alkalinization in frog early distal tubules. Journal of Physiology, Vol. 446

Grants

The Physiological Society - David Jordan Teaching Grant
NERC
Kidney Research UK.

Teaching activities

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught modules

Undergraduate:

BMS109-108 Physiology with Pharmacology
BMS109 Lab Skills & Skills Sessions
BMS109 Introduction to Organ Systems

BMS221 Physiology at the Extreme
BMS242/43 Career Development Skills (Coordinator)
BMS242/243 Core Phys Pharm
BMS242, 244 CVS Respiratory

BMS311 The Kidney in Health & Disease
BMS346 Epithelial Physiology in Health and Disease
BMS316 Group Research Initiatives (Coordinator)
Level 3 Practical and Dissertation Modules

Masters (MSc):

BMS6063 Epithelial Physiology in Health and Disease

Professional activities and memberships

Fellow of the Physiological Society
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Invited Speaking. September 2013 - Invited speaker at Symposium on Mammalian Urea Transporters held at University College in Dublin.