Structure, dynamics and function of viral domains in biomembranes. Photomanipulation and traction mapping applied to the migration of single cells. Investigation of the mechanochemical basis of cell oscillations using systems biology approaches coupled with experiments.
Research in my lab focuses on the mechanisms by which exposure to air pollutants can enhance the susceptibility to and the severity of respiratory virus infections. Specifically, we are examining the effects of air pollutants such as diesel exhaust and cigarette smoke on influenza virus infections, using several in vitro models of the respiratory epithelium. In
collaboration with physicians from the Department of Pediatrics, we are also translating these studies into humans in vivo.
My research interests and diagnostic responsibilities center around nephropathology and immunopathology. My laboratory carries out basic, translational and clinicopathologic research on kidney diseases. I am most interested in pathogenic mechanisms and pathologic manifestations of glomerular diseases and vasculitis. A major current research focus is on elucidating the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation caused by anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA).
We are studying how hemangioblasts, a bipotential precursor of endothelial and hematopoietic lineages, are specified and differentiated during development using zebrafish as a model system.
This laboratory focuses on the identification of signaling pathways regulating host/bacteria interaction and the pathological consequences of a dysregulated response. Using germ free mice and gnotobiotic approaches, we investigate the functional impact of toll-like receptor (TLR) and nucleotide oligomerization domain (Nod) signaling on bacteria-mediated intestinal inflammation, colitis-associated colon cancer and intestinal response to injury (ischemia-reperfusion, radiation).
Effects of drugs of abuse on maternal behavior and aggression and the effects of prenatal exposure to drugs on offspring development and behavior. Approaches range from molecular to behavioral as our work is basic science with a clinically applicable focus.
Spatio-temporal regulation of signal relay systems in cells using live cell fluorescence imaging and targeted gene disruption of signaling proteins to define their role in development, physiology and pathophysiology.
Our research is in two areas. First, we are investigating the pathogenesis of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE). In the mouse model of VEE infection, we are examining the lymphotropic and neurotropic aspects of the disease, the initial cells targeted after inoculation, the role of viremia in invasion of the central nervous system (CNS), immune mechanisms of clearance from the CNS, and the genetics of pathogenesis. The second research area is the design of live virus vaccines, vaccine vectors and vaccine adjuvants. In animal models of several important human and animal pathogens, e.g. influenza, Marburg, Ebola, dengue fever and simian immunodeficiency virus, VEE vectored vaccines and adjuvants have proven safe, immunogenic and in most cases, protective.
Signal transduction coupled by heterotrimeric G proteins. We use Arabidopsis, genetics, biochemistry, & in vivo imaging of protein-protein interactions. The type of signals we study include light, hormones, & sugars.
The goal of my research is to identify, clone, and characterize the evolution of genes underlying natural adaptations in order to determine the types of genes involved, how many and what types of genetic changes occurred, and the evolutionary history of these changes. Specific areas of research include: 1) Genetic analyses of adaptations and interspecific differences in Drosophila, 2) Molecular evolution and population genetics of new genes and 3) Evolutionary analysis of QTL and genomic data.
Research interests include: 1) Regulation of signal transduction and cell growth by integrin-mediated cell adhesion and 2) Therapeutic drug design and delivery.
