Research

What We Do 

(Possible graduate student projects listed)

Research Focus 1 (non-coding RNAs and the kidney) 

Sex differences in kidney injury.
Men and women respond differently to acute kidney injury. We think microRNAs are part of the reason. We alter microRNA expression in kidney tubular cells, then test the best leads in mouse models and primary human cells.

Hormones and the kidney's RNA.
Estrogen and aldosterone reshape the kidney's microRNAs and lncRNAs, not just its receptors. We're mapping that control to find new targets for sodium transport.

Graduate Student Projects 

1. Test how the miR-17~92 cluster restrains STAT3 signaling in female kidney tubular cells during injury, and whether that explains sex differences in acute kidney injury outcomes.
2. Build miRNA knockout/gain-of-function mice to study sodium regulation.
3. Uncover sex differences in miRNA regulation.
4. Mine RNA-seq data for hormone-regulated miRNAs and lncRNAs.
5. Identify miRNA targets in aldosterone-driven ENaC regulation.
6. Test insulin's role in distal nephron miRNA regulation and diabetes.
7. Map estrogen's control over kidney miRNAs.

Research Focus 2 

Sex-specific microRNA regulation of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

We are investigating how the miR-17~92 microRNA cluster and related non-coding RNA pathways contribute to sex differences in the kidney's response to acute injury. Male and female kidneys respond differently to ischemic and toxic insults, and we are working to define the molecular basis for this divergence — with the long-term goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for AKI.

Research Focus 3 

Regulation of the Potassium Transport in Human Airway

In collaboration with the Devor lab, we assist in investigating the role of potassium channels in human disease, with a particular focus on cystic fibrosis. The modulation of potassium transporters by clinically relevant pharmaceuticals in the airway, vasculature, musculature, and neurons is being investigated in this collaboration.