Current research in the lab broadly focuses on renal and vascular physiology and pathophysiology in neonates and adults. We utilize an integrative approach, including molecular, biochemical, electrophysiology, imaging, isolated tissue, and whole animal methodologies, to investigate the function and control of ion channels, regulatory proteins, oxyradicals, and G protein-coupled receptors in vascular and kidney tissues and cells. We are equipped to study vascular and kidney pathophysiology using small and large animal disease models, including hypertension, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, and sickle cell nephropathy.

 

Our laboratory is one of the few groups in the country that utilizes translational swine models to investigate the basic science of kidney microcirculation and dysfunction within the first week of life. Why newborns? The kidneys of newborns are functionally immature. Due to immaturity, newborn babies risk kidney injury caused by adverse perinatal conditions, including sepsis, respiratory distress, nephrotoxic drugs, growth restriction, and urinary tract obstruction. Also, preterm birth and infant kidney injury are risk factors for developing adult cardiovascular and kidney diseases. However, newborn kidney research lags behind adults, with potential long-term health consequences. Funded projects in the lab delineate neonatal renal hemodynamics and dysregulations that occur in acute kidney injury. We anticipate our work will accrue novel findings with therapeutic and diagnostic potential.