This lab studies vascular biology and physiology, with specific focus on the signaling mechanisms directing 1) normal adaptive and pathological growth of the vascular wall, 2) arteriogenesis (formation of collateral vessels) in models of tissue ischemia.
As the Director of the UNC Kidney Center, the scope of Dr. Falk's research interests spans many disciplines, including
molecular biology, immunology, genetics, pathology, cell biology, protein chemistry, epidemiology, pharmacokinetics and biostatistics. Dr. Falk is recognized world wide as a leader in research on kidney diseases related to autoimmune responses. He works closely with the basic research scientists within the UNC Kidney Center, including Dr. Gloria Preston, thus this research program provides an environment for Translational Research within the UNC Kidney Center.
Genetic instability in cultured human cells and yeast, microsatellite mutations, DNA mismatch repair, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC, Lynch syndrome), human genetics, somatic-cell genetics.
Involvement of the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in development, differentiation, and carcinogenesis of the mammary gland. Signaling mechanisms of endocrine disrupting toxicants having adverse effects on mammary gland development and the ability of the gland to lactate. Mechanism of action of atrazine, simazine, and cyanazine in the brain.
The research program of Dr. Fischer focuses on three closely related areas. Mechanisms for atherogensis, processes of platelet-mediated hemostasis and mechanisms for surface hemostasis.
The central goal of my research is to understand how immune cells are activated and regulated within the Central Nervous System. Our research looks at the different pathways of activation of the microglia, the role of the microglia in sensory responses, and the role of stress responses in activating and regulating the response of the microglia. We are currently investigating the mechanism of microglia activation and regulation in Parkinson's Disease (PD). We also study the mechanisms by which CD8 T lymphocytes dictate the nature of inflammatory responses to cancer cells. Research in my laboratory seeks to delineate the immunologic mechanisms involved in the generation of protective anti-tumor responses in CD8 cell populations, and in developing therapies for treatment of cancer.
Research interests include: transport processes in the lung, flow and structure of nano-materials & macromolecular fluids, weakly compressible transport phenomena, solitons and optical fiber applications, inverse problems for material characterization and modeling of transport in multiphase porous media.
Our work is focused on understanding how major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules function in the immune response to pathogens. This simple question involves the most fundamental aspect of immunology - self/non-self discrimination.
The role of associative learning and memory in cue-induced relapse to drug seeking and the role of the prefrontal cortex in suppression of drug seeking. Studies in my laboratory utilize surgical, behavioral, and histological techniques as well as neuropharmacological manipulations.
