Research Interests:
Our laboratory applies methods of cellular, molecular, organ and whole animal physiology to understanding the basis of disorders of epithelial dysfunction, such as cystic fibrosis, intestinal infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma and peptic ulcer disease. Our current work utilizes cell culture, animal, and human xenograft models and tissues obtained from human subjects, and employs electrophysiological, biochemical and molecular approaches. Current areas of focus include the precise intracellular signaling events that control the process of transepithelial chloride secretion (the major driving force for fluid secretion in a variety of organs) as well as the pathophysiological and physiological correlates of the interaction of various medically-relevant pathogens (e.g., Salmonella) or probiotic microorganisms with the intestinal epithelium. We have identified critical roles for peptide growth factors, such as EGF, and their receptors in modulating chloride secretion in response to a variety of agonists, work that has both basic and clinical significance. Likewise, we are exploring the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions that allow microbes to gain a foothold in the intestine, or to cause disseminated disease states. Ultimately, we hope that our work will help eradicate the world-wide scourge of diarrheal disease in developing countries, as well as improving therapies for disease states more common in the developed world.
Track(s):
Physiology
Molecular Pharmacology
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