Campus address: S425 PHAR

Primary department: Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics

Interdisciplinary program(s): Human Toxicology

Research description: Our laboratory conducts Translational Pharmacology and basic science research. There are 3 major research areas in the lab, with several projects within each area that range from in vitro biochemistry, to cell culture & rodent models and even human cardiac tissue specimens. The mitochondria is a focal point of the research program. We routinely collaborate with medicinal chemists to study novel lead therapeutic compounds in heart and liver disease.

One major effort is directed at targeting mitochondria in cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts to mitigate cardiac complications of diabetes and atrial fibrillation. There is also a basic science component directed towards a greater understanding of the role of mitochondria in cellular energetics and signaling pathways (nuclear cross-talk, paracrine factors, etc). Long-term, this work is expected to lead to novel therapies.