Basic Research

Biophysical interactions of PIP2 and calmodulin with KCNQ (Kv7) K ion channels + KCNQ potassium channels control cellular excitability, and inherited mutations in the proximal half of the C- terminus of these membrane proteins can result in cardiac arrhythmia, deafness and epilepsy. The signature 'M-current' produced by KCNQ channels was first observed in sympathetic neurons, and can be inhibited by stimulation of Gq/11 muscarinic receptors.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of LCZ696 compared to valsartan in the reduction of cardiovascular death and heart failure(HF) hospitalizations in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction.

With earlier-stage cancer diagnosis and improved efficacy of chemotherapy, doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity has increasingly become a significa nt cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. For example, the cardiac mortality of long-term pediatric cancer survivors is estimated to be more than eight times higher than expected. A major challenge in reducing therapy-associated cardiotoxicity is the paucity of knowledge about the molecular players and pathways that can mitigate the undesired effects of doxorubicin on myocardium.

Approximately, 15-20% of all breast cancers account for triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) that exhibit aggressive, distinct metastatic pattern and poor prognosis resulting in disproportionate number of breast cancer deaths. Despite, a better chemotherapy response rate in early-stages, >60% of patients with TNBCs develop chemoresistance leading to early relapse and shorter survival. Understanding the mechanisms underlying such resistance is therefore crucial for the development of new, efficacious cancer drugs.

My goal is to direct an independent research program focused on understanding mechanisms of Na+ and water regulation in the kidney. The proposed studies address the mechanisms of renal Na+ regulation by antidiuretic hormone (ADH) during hyponatremia which is a common electrolyte abnormality with a potential for high morbidity and mortality. Because much about the fundamental mechanisms enabling differential control of Na+ and water excretion by the kidney remains obscure, current treatment of hyponatremia often is not fully effective.

Instruction

Basic Research

Basic Research

Applied Research