David H. MacLennan

His research defined the structure, function and regulation of calcium pumps and calcium channels and their role in inherited muscle diseases. He showed that mutations in the genes encoding these calcium-signaling proteins cause malignant hyperthermia, central core disease, Brody disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. He developed diagnostic tests for these diseases, and worked with clinicians to prevent the manifestation of some of them, thereby saving lives; and with veterinarians to eradicate disease. His current work explores the pathogenesis of congenital myopathies and dilated cardiomyopathy.