Training Faculty Research Interests
Chris Baylis, Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
baylisc@ufl.edu
392-7869
NIH Biosketch
Control of renal hemodynamics and blood pressure by nitric oxide, angiotensin, endothelin and renal nerves. Nitric oxide deficiency and endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hypertension and progressive renal disease. Maternal renal adaptions in normal and hypertensive pregnancies. Current studies are underway using human subjects, animal models (rats, mice), cell culture (endothelial, vascular smooth muscle, mesangial), molecular biology approaches (Western blot, Real time PCR, lentiviral gene transfer) and morphology (immunohistochemistry, histology).
Role in Training Program: Program director. Mentor.
Edward R. Block, M.D.
Medicine
blocker@medicine.ufl.edu
265-0655
NIH Biosketch
Pathobiology of lung endothelial cells with emphasis on mechanisms responsible for oxidant injury to lung endothelial cells. Recent work is focused on regulation of the L-arginine:nitric oxide (NO) pathway in lung endothelial cells including characterization of the major L-arginine transporter in lung endothelial cells, the CAT-1 transporter, and demonstration of a plasmalemmal caveolar complex between CAT-1 and eNOS. He utilizes a variety of approaches including cell and molecular biology and biochemistry, and employs several experimental models including cultured lung endothelial cells, isolated pulmonary vascular rings, and isolated perfused lungs.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Randy W. Braith, Ph.D.
Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
rbraith@ufl.edu
392-9575 Ext. 1340
NIH Biosketch
Cardiovascular biology in clinical populations: 1) strategies to reverse arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure; 2) mechanisms of hypertension in heart transplant recipients; 3) deleterious effects of immunosuppression agents on cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular systems in solid organ transplant recipients.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Barry Byrne, M.D.
Pediatrics/Cardiology
bbyrne@ufl.edu
846-1531
NIH Biosketch
Molecular genetics and gene therapy of cardiovascular disease. In the area of cardiomyopathy, we are studying gene replacement in an autosomal recessive form of fatal cardiomyopathy in children. The disease is the prototype of lysosomal storage disorders leading to skeletal and cardiac muscle weakness. We have used AAV vectors to achieve sustained correction of the gene deficiency and correction of the phenotype in natural and transgenic mouse models of the disease. The current therapy is currently being proposed for human clinical trials. Similar therapies are being used to combat cardiac transplantation rejection. Secondly, we are investigating the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to undergo myocardial specification for the purpose of tissue repair in the heart. Finally, several projects are focused on the use of AAV vectors injected into striated muscle to achieve sustained release of therapeutic proteins, including thrombolytic factors and coagulation factors.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Donn M. Dennis, M.D., F.A.H.A.
Anesthesiology
dennis@anest2.anest.ufl.edu
846-1355
NIH Biosketch
Application of nanotechnology for medical applications: 1) ultraselective drug delivery using nanostructures, 2) detection and treatment of cellular toxicity using nanostructures, 3) diagnosis of disease using breath-based nanotechnologies, and 4) nano-based medication adherence monitoring systems to improve drug safety and efficacy. Specific translational research areas related to this T32 grant application include the use of nanotechnology for breath-based detection, localization and treatment of cardiovascular disease (i.e., atherosclerosis, renal failure), for selectively delivering genetic materials to human endothelial cells in order to treat atherosclerosis, and for improved drug (e.g., antihypertensives, statins) compliance to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary program involving physicians, chemists, engineers, molecular biologists, pharmacologists and physiologists is underway that is addressing these problems. Current studies include human subjects, living animal models (pigs, rats, mice), tissue models (isolated heart, brain slice), cell models (cultured neurons, acutely dissociated cardiomyocytes for patch clamp), synthesis of nanostructures for sensing and therapy, cell culture (endothelial, neuronal), molecular biology (Western blot, ELISA, nanostructure-mediated gene transfer), analytical (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, NMR), and biomarker analysis (Lox 1 receptor, ICAM 1, manganese SOD).
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
David Gilland, Ph.D.
Nuclear and Radiological Engineering
gilland@ufl.edu
392-1401
NIH Biosketch
The area of specialization is medical imaging, in particular, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Research efforts have included the development of novel instrumentation and image processing algorithms for these imaging modalities. (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Research efforts have included the development of novel instrumentation and image processing algorithms for these imaging modalities. Ongoing studies include analysis and imaging of the spatial and temporal nonlinear dynamics of hearts during atrial and ventricular fibrillation. In addition, a monitoring method is in development that can detect and quantify bleeding in the abdominal cavity as a consequence of the blunt trauma suffered in motor vehicle accidents.
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Member of Program Recruitment and Review committee
Maria Grant, M.D.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
grantma@pharmacology.ufl.edu
846-0978
NIH Biosketch
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) involvement in ocular angiogenesis. Special interest in stem cell plasticity and regulation by chemokines such as stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1). E ndothelial precursor cell (EPC) dysfunction in conditions such as diabetes and age related macular degeneration (ARMD). The peripheral circu¬lating pool of endothelial stem cells is altered in patients with diabetes and newly diagnosed neovascular AMD, suggesting that pathologic angiogenesis may result from orinfluence the regulation of endothelial precursor. Characterization of the EPC defect in these disease states is a main focus of our work.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
David Harrison, M.D.
Cardiology
NIH Biosketch
Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production in a variety of pathological conditions including atherosclerosis and hypertension, and the link between NO deficiency and excessive inactivation of NO by reactive oxygen species.
Role in Training program: External Advisor.
Carrie Haskell-Luevano, Ph.D.
Medicinal Chemistry
chaskell@ufl.edu
846-2722
NIH Biosketch
Our laboratory focuses on the understanding of peptide hormone endocrine systems in the brain, and their involvement in feeding behavior and obesity. We utilize multidisciplinary approaches including chemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, and neuroscience to study endocrine systems. The techniques we use to answer different research questions include combinatorial chemistry, peptide design and synthesis, receptor pharmacology and compound analysis, computer assisted molecular modeling (CAMM) , NMR spectroscopy, receptor mutagenesis and pharmacology, use of knock-out and transgenic mice, immunohistochemistry (protein expression in the brain), in situ hybridization (mRNA expression in the brain), and administration of compounds to rodents to study food consumption over time.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Linda Hayward, Ph.D.
Physiological Sciences
Haywardl@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu
392-4700 Ext. 3848
Brain control of blood pressure, including brainstem and hypothalamic control of sympathetic drive in normotensive and hypertension animals and during hemorrhage or fearful conditions. Influence of breathing on sympathetic and parasympathetic drive in hypertension. Circadian modulation of cardiorespiratory function. Current studies are underway using animal models (rat), neuroanatomy (retrograde/anterograde tracers), neurochemistry (immunohistochemistry) and spectral analysis of heart rate (heart rate variability), mean arterial pressure and respiration.
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Advisory Board member.
Julie Johnson, Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Practice
Johnson@cop.ufl.edu
273-6007
NIH Biosketch
Dr. Johnson's research focus is clinical cardiovascular drug pharmacogenomics, disease-gene associations that may be relevant to pharmacogenomics, and the influence of race/ethnicity on drug response and pharmacogenomics. She currently has studies ongoing in the areas of hypertension, heart failure, ischemic heart disease and obesity, with a primary focus on proteins that are drug targets and the impact of their genetic polymorphisms on drug response and disease.
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Program Co-Director.
Richard J. Johnson, M.D.
Nephrology, Hypertension and Tranplantation/Medicine
johnsrj@medicine.ufl.edu
392-4007
NIH Biosketch
Etiology of hypertension, with emphasis on renal arteriolosclerosis as a primary mechanism. Studies on the intrarenal response to ischemia. Dr Johnson also has studied the role of uric acid in hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. In addition, he has studied the role of angiogenesis in renal disease, with an emphasis on its role in glomerulonephritis, diabetes, and renal progression.
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Program Co-Director.
Michael J. Katovich, Ph.D.
Pharmacodynamics
katovich@cop.ufl.edu
392-3292
NIH Biosketch
Renin angiotensin system in hypertension and cardiac pathology. Gene therapy in hypertension. Interaction of sex steroids on the modulation of components of the renin angiotensin system in blood pressure regulation and in the metabolic syndrome. Vascular smooth muscle reactivity in pregnancy. Current studies are underway using in vivo animal models of hypertension (rats, mice), cell culture (endothelial, vascular smooth muscle, and fibroblast cells), molecular biology approaches (Western blot, Real time PCR, lentiviral gene transfer), morphology (histology) and in vitro vascular smooth muscle reactivity.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Maureen Keller-Wood, Ph.D.
Pharmacodynamics
kellerwd@cop.ufl.edu
392-8790
NIH Biosketch
Influence of maternal adrenal steroids on maternal physiology in pregnancy and role in fetal homeostasis. Role of MR and GR in fetal volume control, renal function, and lung liquid secretion and reabsorption. Interaction of estrogen with corticosteroids in control of pressure and volume homeostasis in pregnancy. Current studies use in vivo animal models (pregnant sheep) and in vitro culture models (hippocampal neurons), combined with assessment of corticosteroid action on binding, mRNA (q-rtPCR) and protein (immunoblot, immunohistochemistry) for target genes/proteins such as NOS isoforms, sgk, ENaC, and Na/KATPase in both maternal and fetal target tissues.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Saaed Khan, Ph.D.
Pathology and Immunology
khan@pathology.ufl.edu
392-3574
NIH Biosketch
Dr. Khan's research is on hyperoxaluria-associated diseases including the formation of kidney stones. He developed an animal model to investigate whether tissue injury is key to kidney stone formation, a major departure from traditional thinking where stone formation was considered primarily dependent upon solute chemistry within the renal tubules. In addition he is investigating a link between oxalate-induced renal epithelial injury and production of reactive oxygen species, via upregulation of the renin-angiotensin system.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Christiaan Leeuwenburgh Ph.D.
Department of Aging
cleeuwen@aging.ufl.edu
NIH Biosketch
Senescent aging involves both programmed changes in gene expression and detrimental cellular changes due to oxidative stress, inflammation, glycoxidation products, diminished repair mechanisms and apoptosis. The mitochondria play a key role in regulating cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis due to chronic oxidant production and/or the accumulation of mitochondrial mutations. Apoptosis in tissues occurs with age, but the mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated. To better understand the role of apoptosis, mitochondrial function and mitochondrial mutations in muscle and the brain we have created mutator mice (Pol-G) and p66sch deficient mouse models. Pol-G mice show an accelerated aging phenotype and p66sch deficient mice show an extended life-span and enhanced resistance to mitochondrial induced apoptosis. Furthermore, in normally aging rats we are examining specific interventions (life-long caloric restriction, dietary interventions, and life-long exercise) which are able to attenuate cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. If the precise mechanisms underlying age-associated cell loss and cellular deterioration of myocytes and endothelial cells can be identified, it could help allow targeted interventions.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Wayne McCormack, Ph.D.
Pathology and Immunology
mccormac@pathology.ufl.edu
392-7413
NIH Biosketch
Lyle Moldawer Ph.D.
Surgery
moldawer@surgery.ufl.edu
265-0494
NIH Biosketch
Research interests have focused on the pathophysiologic role of cytokines in the host response to acute and chronic inflammation. Specifically, he studies the inflammatory mediators that regulated the metabolic response to injury and the role that dysregulation between proinflammatory cytokine and cytokine inhibitor production plays in the pathologic host response to acute inflammatory processes, such as sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndromes, and to chronic inflammatory processes, such as cancer and AIDS-associated cachexia. These studies have considerable impact on vascular endothelial finction in response to various inflammatory states and the ability to promote wound healing.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Don Novak M.D.
GI/Pediatrics
novakda@peds.ufl.edu
329-6410
NIH Biosketch
Three to ten percent of infants are born small for gestational age. The placenta is responsible for the concentrative transfer of nutrients from the maternal to the fetal circulations. Our specific interest lies in the study of amino acid transport; we study this process on the activity and molecular levels in a variety of models including isolated cells and rodent placenta. Our long term goal is the understanding of the complex interplay between intrauterine growth retardation and nutrient transfer, and the impact of these processes upon future health. The laboratory has two primary projects. We utilize a low-protein diet model in rodents to examine the impact of that diet upon 1) protein translation within the placenta and fetus and 2) promoter methylation of imprinted genes within the placenta and fetus. In both cases, specific genes chosen for examination are those important in the development of adult phenotypes known to be associated with maternal low-protein diet and human intrauterine growth retardation, such as hypertension and glucose intolerance.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Paul Oh Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
ohp@phys.med.ufl.edu
392-8197
NIH Biosketch
A major part of my research focuses on the elucidation of pathogenetic mechanism underlying human vascular diseases such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and pulmonary hypertension, and on development of animal models for such diseases. As a collaboration project with Dr. Raizada, we are developing a mouse model to test whether overexpression of ACE2 gene in a specific tissue can ameliorate hypertension.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
C. Keith Ozaki, M.D.
Vascular Surgery
ozakick@surgery.ufl.edu
376-1611
NIH Biosketch
Mechanisms of hemodynamically induced blood vessel (artery and vein graft) adaptations (neointimal hyperplasia, arteriogenesis, wall remodeling), with emphasis on cytokine mediators. Current research strategies emphasize in vivo approaches (rabbits, mice) combined with molecular (quantitative RT-PCR, gene arrays) and immunologic techniques (ELISA, immunohistochemistry), histology, and cell culture (endothelial, vascular smooth muscle cells).
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Member of Program Recruitment and Review committee.
Carl J. Pepine, MD.
Cardiology/Medicine
pepincj@medicine.ufl.edu
846-0620
NIH Biosketch
Major research interests focus on the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease and coronary and systemic vascular hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the disease. Current work includes investigator-initiated clinical trials research. Ongoing studies include optimization of control of blood pressure in coronary artery disease patients which includes genotyping for pharmacogenomics in collaboration with Dr. Julie Johnson. Another project is part of the NHLBI-Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) to investigate vascular function in women with suspected ischemic heart disease. Along with detailed imaging and measures of coronary vascular smooth muscle function (eg, flow reserve with adenosine) and endothelial function (response to acetylcholine), we have collected DNA on ~800 of these women. The core lab for the coronary flow reserve and IVUS data resides at UF.
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Advisory board member.
Michael G. Perri, Ph.D.
Clinical Psycology
mperri@phhp.ufl.edu
273-6150
NIH Biosketch
Behavioral management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, focused on interventions for the management of diet and exercise, particularly in obese adults. His research in this area has centered on the development of behavioral strategies to maintain weight loss and to prevent relapse following treatment for obesity. He is currentl involved in the Women's Health Initiative\and in NHLBI-funded studies to examine frequency and intensity of exercise needed to produce improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and blood lipids in sedentary adults; the TOURS (“Treatment of Obesity in Underserved Rural Setting”) study, and in examining the effects of exercise and weight-loss interventions on mobility disability in overweight individuals with evidence of cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Scott Powers. Ph.D.
Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
spowers@hhp.ufl.edu
392-0584 Ext. 234
NIH Biosketch
Research interests include the biochemical and functional plasticity of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Current research focus is directed toward two specific topics: 1) mechanisms of exercise training-induced protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; and 2) mechanisms of mechanical ventilation-induced diaphragmatic atrophy, oxidative injury, and contractile dysfunction.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Mohan K. Raizada, Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
mraizada@phys.med.ufl.edu
392-9299
NIH Biosketch
Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neural control of cardiovascular functions with emphasis on the brain Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS). Ongoing areas of investiagtion include: signal transduction mechanism of Ang II-induced Norepinephrine (NE) neuromodulation; mechanisms of Ang II-regulated NE neuromodulation in the neurons of the SHR; gene profiling techniques to identify known and unknown genes that are regulated by Ang-II in the brain and hypertension related genes; lentiviral and adenoviral-vector mediated gene transfer techniques to chronically regulate expression of altered genes in the brain and determine the outcome in cardiovascular functions in hypertensive rats; genetic Targeting of the RAS for the Control of Hypertension.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Peter P. Sayeski, Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
psayeski@phys.med.ufl.edu
392-1816
NIH Biosketch
Research is focused on the intracellular signaling pathways of angiotensin II with particular emphasis on the angiotensin II –mediated growth effects via increasing the transcription of growth-promoting genes within the nucleus of the cell. Current research is on the angiotensin II mediated activation of intracellular tyrosine kinases such as Jak2, Pyk2, Fak, Fyn and Src. These are the same molecules that have been implicated in certain types of cancers and are also critical for development. Studies are determining the importance of these tyrosine kinases in mediating angiotensin II-dependent growth responses and determining whether the catalytic activity of these tyrosine kinases is altered in disease states. A variety of cellular, molecular, genetic and biochemical techniques are used for these studies.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Philip J. Scarpace, Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
scarpace@ufl.edu
392-8435
NIH Biosketch
Studies are concentrated on age-related obesity and development of leptin resistance. Studies include use of recombinant adeno-associated viral mediated leptin (rAAV-leptin) gene delivery to chronically elevate central leptin in young lean and aged-obese rats. Current studies suggest that although there are initial robust responses to leptin gene delivery, over time lean rats become completely refractory to leptin (endogenous pharmacological administration) independent of obesity. Aged rats demonstrate a more rapid onset of this leptin resistance following leptin gene therapy, yet rats of both ages are fully responsive to downstream activation by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) agonist, suggesting the leptin resistance lies within the first order hypothalamic neurons expressing leptin receptors. The primary goal is to determine the mechanisms of leptin resistance in aging which has a major impact in obesity associated cardiovascular disease including hypertension.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Mark Segal M.D., Ph.D.
Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation
segalms@medicine.ufl.edu
392-4008
NIH Biosketch
The focus is on endothelial cell apoptosis and endothelial progenitor cells in the context of progression of atherosclerosis and endothelial repair with particular reference to patients with both acute renal failure (such as hemolytic uremia syndrome and “Scleroderma crises,”) and in the progression of chronic renal disease. Clinical, animal (mouse model for venous intimal hyperplasia) and in vitro (cell culture) studies are in progress.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Betsy Shenkman, Ph.D.
Epidemiology and Health Policy
eas@ichp.ufl.edu
265-7220 Ext. 86333
NIH Biosketch
David S. Sheps, MD, MSPH
Cardiology/Medicine
shepsds@medicine.ufl.edu
376-1611
NIH Biosketch
Reseach is focused on behavioral, clinical and epidemiologic manifestations of disease expression, particularly in coronary artery disease. He is involved in the Women's Health Initiative; in studies on treatment of patients with psychological stress induced ischemia and in studies to investigate a broad spectrum of coronary artery disease patients with both nuclear cardiac imaging and peripheral vascular analysis to more easily detect the large number currently at risk for adverse events. Overall, the research interests have focused on behavioral manifestations of disease in several areas: pain perception, gender differences, and acute (laboratory induced) and chronic (depression) manifestations of psychological stress.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Peter W. Stacpoole M.D., Ph.D.
GCRC/Medicine
stacpool@ufl.edu
392-2321
NIH Biosketch
The causes and treatment of metabolic diseases due to disorders of mitochondrial energetics, including research into the clinical expression, molecular mechanisms and pharmacologic and gene therapy of inborn errors of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Nutrient regulation of intermediate metabolism is also a research interest with emphasis on the kinetics of homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We have developed novel isotopic infusion techniques to examine the kinetics of 1-carbon acquisition and processing involving pathways of transmethylation. Subsequently we conducted the first investigation of the kinetics of Hcy in humans with folate or vitamin B6 deficiency. Ongoing clinical projects include studies in adults with the common C667T methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation that is associated with elevated Hcy levels; a prospective assessment of the impact of type 2 diabetes and insulin treatment on 1-carbon metabolism in patients, as a function of MTHFR genotype. We postulate that genotype will have a significant effect on Hcy metabolism, independent of either nutrient status or glycemic control.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Colin Sumners. Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
csumners@phys.med.ufl.edu
392-4485
NIH Biosketch
Angiotensin actions in the brain control of cardiovascular function and hypertension; Role of Angiotensin type 2 receptors in cardiovascular control. Current studies are underway using animal models (rats, mice), cell culture (neuronal) , molecular biology approaches (Western blot, Real time PCR, adenoviral and AAV gene transfer), electrophysiology (Patch clamp) and morphology (immunohistochemistry, histology).
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
C. Craig Tisher, M.D.
Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation/Medicine
tisher@dean.med.ufl.edu
846-2473
NIH Biosketch
Dr Tisher is internationally recognized for his structural-functional research in the mammalian kidney in particular on aspects of acid base and water balance. He also performed extensive clinico-pathologic studies describing the renal pathology of acute malaria, IgA nephropathy, the transplanted kidney, lupus nephritis, focal glomerulosclerosis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and is the editor of the definitive textbook Renal Pathology with Clinical and Functional Correlations. In 2002 he was became Dean of the College of Medicine at University of Florida. In addition to his administrative responsibilities he maintains an active research program clinical aspects of Nephrology and Hypertension.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Nihal Tumer Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
ntumer@ufl.edu
846-2473
NIH Biosketch
Research is focused on catecholamines, stress and aging. A fundamental question in aging research is whether aging systems respond and adapt to physiological and pathological challenges as well as younger systems. Catecholamine biosynthesis with age in the rat is an excellent model to study the potential loss of plasticity with age. In the catecholaminergic system, there are a number of changes with age in the steady-state concentrations of various components, and more importantly, there are specific failures in homeostatic regulation. The research addresses mechanisms involved in catecholamine biosynthesis, especially the induction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) assessed at the molecular level by determining cAMP-mediated signal transduction with age under normal, exercise training or cold-stress conditions in the adrenal medulla and in the brain. The exact factors contributing to the increase in TH gene expression with age are unknown but may involve some peptides, cholinergic agonists, angiotensin II (Ang II), NPY or various agonists that increase PKA or PKC pathways.
Role in Training Program: Mentor. Member of Program Recruitment and Review committee
Glenn A Walter. Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
glennw@phys.med.ufl.edu
392-0551
NIH Biosketch
Noninvasive imaging of cell migration, fate, and metabolism. Basic biophysical properties related to the in vivo imaging of stem cells and their function in tissue repair and growth. Advanced techniques in magnetic resonance imaging, optical imaging and spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Expertise in the biology and physiology of muscle regeneration and disease following viral (adeno-, and adenoassociated virus) and cell mediated gene correction.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
David Weiner, M.D.
Nephrology, Hypertension and Transplantation/Medicine
weineid@ufl.edu
273-5358
NIH Biosketch
Acid-base homeostasis, ammonia metabolism and transport in the kidneys, liver, CNS and intestinal tract, mechanisms and regulation of proton and bicarbonate transport, regulation of expression of the ammonia transporter family members, Rhbg and Rhcg, and the renal acid-base adaptation to chronic kidney disease. Other interests examine the evaluation and management of primary aldosteronism in patients with refractory hypertension.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Charles Wingo M.D.
Nephrology, Hypertension and Tranplantation/Medicine
cswingo@ufl.edu
374-6069
NIH Biosketch
Molecular regulation of transporters in the collecting duct that determine final renal excretion of solutes and water and thence control of body fluid homeostasis and blood pressure. Particular emphasis is on Na+ and K+ regulation and current work is focused on interactions between aldosterone and endothelin in the IMCD, control of level and activity of Na+, H+- and K+-ATPases.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
Charles E. Wood, Ph.D.
Physiology and Functional Genomics
cwood@phys.med.ufl.edu
392-4488
NIH Biosketch
The research focus is on mechanisms controlling the responses to stress (hypoxia and hypotension) in the fetus in utero with emphasis on function of the fetal arterial baroreceptors and chemoreceptors in the control of fetal cardiovascular and endocrine function. Present work focuses on the interaction of prostanoids with the cardiovascular and endocrine controlling elements of the brain and the role of the locally-generated prostanoids in brain in the control of fetal stress responses (hypoxia and hypotension); the influence of estrogen on the fetal brain regions which are important for cardiovascular and endocrine responsiveness to stress; the biological activity of sulfoconjugated estrogens in fetal plasma.
Role in Training Program: Mentor.
