Three
of the four research foci of my laboratory are directed towards
understanding the signaling pathways of cell injury, death
(apoptosis and necrosis) and regeneration at the cellular
and molecular levels. This is particularly important since
disease states such as stroke, trauma, and heart and kidney
failure result from cell injury and death. In turn, the ability
of injured cells to repair and regenerate is key for the
return of brain, heart and kidney function.
The fourth focus of my laboratory is directed towards understanding
chloride transport in the kidney. We have made the novel
finding that the kidney expresses neuronal GABA- and glycine-like
receptors and that these kidney receptors mediate chloride
transport in kidney cells. By identifying and characterizing
these renal GABA and glycine receptors, we will be able to
determine their potential role in ion and fluid homeostasis
and blood pressure regulation.
While
the didactic and research training I received in the Pharmacology
and
Toxicology Program at the University of
Arizona provided with the foundation I needed to pursue a
research career in academia, it was the "pro-student" environment
of the program that made my training an great experience.
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