{"id":1118,"date":"2018-06-07T19:27:09","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T19:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/physiology.uthscsa.edu\/?page_id=1118"},"modified":"2024-05-03T14:49:52","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T19:49:52","slug":"faculty","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lsom.uthscsa.edu\/physiology\/education\/phd\/faculty\/","title":{"rendered":"Program Faculty"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/td>Name<\/th>Research Interest<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\"\"<\/td>Muhammad Abdul-Ghani, M.D.,Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor\/Research
\n Medicine\/Diabetes<\/td>		The seminal studies of Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Ghani have helped to define the role of progressive beta cell failure in the evolution from prediabetes to T2DM and to elucidate the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of insulin resistance and T2DM.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Armen Akopian, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor
\nEndodontics<\/td>		A main research interest of Dr. Armen Akopian\u2019s lab is to understand why standard analgesics has sex- and age-dependent efficiency; and importantly, why chronicity of pain conditions affected by sex and age.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Gregory J Aune, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssociate Professor Pediatrics<\/td>

Pediatric Cancer Survivorship \u2013 <\/em>Clinical care of long-term survivors of pediatric cancer.<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>Swati Banerjee, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Swati Banerjee uses the Drosophila model system to investigate the cellular and molecular bases of axonal ensheathment and synaptic development and function.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Kelly Berg, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor\/Research
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		Dr. Kelly Berg\u2019s lab centers on answering questions concerning the molecular nature of drug efficacy and the mechanisms by which the efficacy of drugs can be regulated.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Manzoor<\/td>Manzoor Bhat, M.S., Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Vice Dean for Research & Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>

We are investigating the genetic and molecular basis of complex and reciprocal interactions between various types of glial cells, which play a key role in axonal insulation, blood-brain barrier formation and axon guidance across species.<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>Jean C. Bopassa, Ph.D<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Jean Bopassa\u2019s lab general research interest is to investigate the role of mitochondria in cardio-protective effect of hormones against ischemia\/reperfusion injury and heart failure.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Andrew Brenner, M.D.<\/a>
\nS & B Kolitz\/CTRC-Zachry Endowed Chair Neuro-Oncology Research<\/td>		A specialist in both breast cancer and malignancies of the brain and spinal cord, Dr. Andrew Brenner not only focuses on clinical management, but also on the development of novel therapies to treat breast cancers and central nervous system tumors.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Jose E. Cavazos, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssociate Dean, M.D.\/Ph.D. Program, Professor
\n Neurology<\/td>		Dr. Jos\u00e9 Cavazos\u2019s lab studies activity-dependent plasticity in the hippocampal formation in the developing, adult, and aged brain using a variety of experimental models of epilepsy, seizures, and epileptogenesis. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that repeated seizures induce progressive neuronal death and axon sprouting that permanently alter the hippocampal circuitry lending it more susceptible to additional seizures and memory dysfunction.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>T. Arthur Chang, Ph.D., HCLD, ELD, CC<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/td>		His research interests include in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete and embryo development, cryopreservation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening (PGD\/PGS), embryo implantation, andrology, ART laboratory quality management, policies and regulations in reproductive technology, as well as nonhuman primate embryology and stem cell biology for modeling reproductive and regenerative medicine.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Chu Chen, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		The research programs in Dr. Chen\u2019s laboratory have been focusing on neuroinflammation in health and disease. Inflammation is now believed to be a common mechanism of disease. Neuroinflammation, the inflammatory response that occurs in the nervous system, has been implicated in many brain disorders\/diseases, including epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD), and Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>William Clarke, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		Research in Dr. William Clarke\u2019s lab is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie drug efficacy (the ability of a drug to produce a response) and its regulation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Lynette C. Daws, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Lynette Daws\u2019 research focuses on the function and regulation of biogenic amine transporters, including \u201cclassic\u201d serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine transporters, as well as organic cation and plasma membrane monoamine transporters; transporters that were recently identified as important regulators of central biogenic amine neurotransmission.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D.<\/a>
\n Professor & Division Chief
\n Medicine\/Diabetes<\/td>		Dr. Ralph DeFronzo\u2019s major interests focus on the pathogenesis and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the central role of insulin resistance in the metabolic-cardiovascular cluster of disorders known collectively as the Insulin Resistance Syndrome.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Anibal Diogenes, D.D.S., Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor & Vice-Chair
\nDepartment of Endodontics<\/td>		Dr. Diogenes' areas of research include pain, neuroscience and regenerative endodontics.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Marc D. Feldman, M.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cardiology<\/td>

<\/em>Dr. Marc Feldman is working on developing novel instrumentation in collaboration with faculty at the School of Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. These instruments are often commercialized for use in animals and patients including Admittance to measure left ventricular pressure volume relations, and Optical coherence tomography to determine the composition of atherosclerotic plaques.<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>Charles P. France, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		Research in Dr. Charles France\u2019s lab focuses on interactions between behavior and pharmacology and how those interactions impact the abuse liability of drugs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Amy S. Garrett, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nDirector,
\nNeuroimaging Core for Department of Psychiatry\/ Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Psychiatry<\/td>		My research goal is to understand the neural changes that accompany psychotherapy and other interventions for youth with symptoms of psychiatric disorders. My current project uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate changes in brain function associated with Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy for adolescents with symptoms of posttraumatic stress.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Rita Ghosh, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssociate Professor
\nUrology, Division of Research<\/td>		Dr. Rita Ghosh\u2019s lab research looks at gene-environment interactions that lead to oxidative stress in cancer and to develop ways to target these deregulated pathways as targets for cancer prevention\/therapy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Brett C. Ginsburg, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor
\nPsychiatry<\/td>		Dr. Ginsburg's research program focuses on the behavioral neurobiology and pharmacology of alcohol, opioids, and cannabinoids. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Mark P. Goldberg, M.D.<\/a>
\nAssociate Vice President for Strategic Research Initiatives
\nProfessor of Neurology<\/td>		Dr. Goldberg is a neuroscientist and neurologist with special interest in injury and recovery after stroke.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Georgianna Gould, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Social behavior, its serotonergic underpinnings and developmental disruption of the social brain in autism, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders are the focus of Dr. Georgianna Gould\u2019s research.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor & Chair
\n Endodontics<\/td>		Dr. Ken Hargreaves lab\u2019s primary research interests are in the pharmacology of pain and inflammation. A major focus is on pharmacological regulation of unmyelinated \u201cC\u201d fiber nociceptors, as well as their plasticity in response to inflammation or nerve injury. Investigations are in progress evaluating the effects of TRPV1, cannabinoids, opioids, adrenergics, NPY, sex steroids and other drugs on regulating the activity of these fibers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Stephen Harris, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Periodontics<\/td>		Dr. Stephen Harris lab is interested in various aspects of gene regulation since 1965. Working in Dr. Bert O\u2019Malley lab, he proved that estrogen induced the ovalbumin gene at the mRNA level in 1974. He has worked on various aspects of gene regulation by growth factors and androgens since that time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Noboru Hiroi, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor
\nDepts. of Cell Systems & Anatomy, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Pharmacology and Psychiatry<\/td>		The primary aim of this laboratory is to more fully understand the genetic, cellular and molecular mechanisms of developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Sarah Hopp, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Assistant Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		Dr. Sarah Hopp\u2019s research focuses on microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, and how these cells are involved in Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia changes during aging, in Alzheimer\u2019s disease and chronic neuroinflammation. A main research objective is to understand how these changes contribute to the initiation and progression of neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Peter J. Hornsby, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Peter\u2019s Hornsby\u2019s lab focus in on nonhuman primate iPS cells in regenerative medicine. Before personalized cell therapy is used in humans, there is need to move beyond rodent models. Beyond rodents, nonhuman primates play key roles in biomedical research. The marmoset is a suitable size and life span for aging studies, and there is the availability of disease models, e.g. Parkinson\u2019s disease, in this species.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Nathaniel A. Jeske, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery<\/td>

Dr. Nathan Jeske\u2019s lab conducts research on signaling mechanisms that mediate inflammatory pain and analgesia. Over 100 million Americans suffer from pain annually, and understanding how this sensation graduates to a chronic state, as well as how to treat it efficaciously, are the primary research goals of the Jeske lab<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>Jean X. Jiang, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor and Zachry Distinguished University Chair
\nBiochemistry & Structural Biology<\/td>

Our current research interests are:<\/p>

1). To determine the gap junction or hemichannel-dependent and independent mechanisms of connexins in cell growth, differentiation and lens development.<\/p>

2). To investigate the functional significance of gap junctions, hemichannels and integrins in signaling transmission, skeletal tissue remodeling and cancer metastasis of breast cancer and osteosarcoma.<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>Asma Khan, Ph.D., B.D.S.<\/a>
\nAssociate Professor
\n Endodontics<\/td>		Current research projects include clinical research, translational and basic science research. Clinical projects are on the (1) development of new strategies for the diagnosis and management of acute odontogenic pain, (2) evaluation of new analgesics and anesthetics and, (3) development of new diagnostics for the detection of cracks in teeth. Translational and basic science research projects are focused on the role of extracellular vesicles and microRNAs in pain. The aim is to elucidate the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles and microRNAs modulate pain.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Yu Shin Kim, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n
\nAssociate Professor
\nOral & Maxillofacial Surgery<\/td>		Our research focuses on the function and regulation of sensory modalities including pain, itch, and gentle touch. Special objectives in our research are to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pain by studying neural circuit activities evoked by pain in basal and disease conditions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Wouter Koek, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cell Systems and Anatomy\/Psychiatry<\/td>		The abuse of prescription opioids is a growing public health problem. Prescription opioid abuse often starts in adolescence, but most of what we know about opioids is from research in adults. Dr. Koek\u2019s lab examines abuse-related effects of morphine in adolescent mice and the mechanisms underlying adolescent vulnerability to opioid abuse.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>A. Pratap Kumar, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nCTRC 40th Anniversary Endowed Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair
\nProfessor in Oncology
\nDepartment of Molecular Medicine, Urology and Pharmacology<\/td>		 His research program is focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in genitourinary and gastrointestinal pathogenesis. Some of the seminal contributions from his research program include the development of natural products as potential adjuvants for cancer therapy and molecular marker signature for cancer prognosis. Basic science discoveries from his laboratory have been translated to the clinic. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Raushan Kurmasheva, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssistant Professor
\nDepartment of Molecular Medicine<\/td>		The overall focus of Dr. Kurmasheva\u2019s lab is to improve the current treatment of childhood sarcoma. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance of Ewing sarcoma cells to DNA damage with the ultimate goal of developing more effective and less toxic therapy for the patients is the major research focus of the lab.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Yui-Wing Francis Lam, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>

Significant variability in efficacy and toxicity of medications among patients is largely attributed to innate differences in their capacity to eliminate and react to medications. Dr. Lam has studied how ethnicity and genetic differences affect disposition and response to psychotherapeutic drugs. This has translated to improved understanding of the biological basis for why patients require different doses to elicit appropriate responses, particularly Asians.<\/p><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\"\"<\/td>James Donald Lechleiter, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor, Cell Systems & Anatomy, Director of the Optical Imaging Core<\/td>		Dr. Lechleiter's laboratory is interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of protection during drug addition, ischemic stress, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Hye Young Lee, Ph.D<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) form a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by deficits in language development\/social interactions, and repetitive behavior\/restricted interests.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Daniel J. Lodge, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor and Chair
\nDepartment of Pharmacology<\/td>		Our research is focused on trying to better understand the regulation of the dopamine system in both normal and disease states. Using a combination of techniques including, in vivo electrophysiology, molecular biology and behavior we are attempting to develop novel treatments for schizophrenia.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Liang Ma, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Assistant Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		The research lab of Liang Ma, PhD, seeks to bridge the gap between genomic risk loci of brain illnesses and neurobiological mechanisms by decoding the regulatory relationships of the human genome. The lab\u2019s vision is that decoding the gene regulation can advance the understanding of neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Stanton McHardy, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAdjunct Associate Professor, Chemistry, UTSA<\/td>		r. McHardy\u2019s lab and the CIDD are focused on medicinal chemistry research in the design, synthesis and development of small molecule compounds across multiple therapeutic disease areas. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Sumathy Mohan, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor\/Research<\/td>		Atherosclerotic lesions typically occur in areas of low shear flow regions. The mechanisms involved in developing these lesions are poorly understood. My long-term goal is first to identify molecular targets. Once this is accomplished it will then be possible to develop strategies for novel interventional procedures and agents to control the development of the disease. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>David A. Morilak, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		Dr. David Morilak\u2019s research addresses the neurobiology of stress and its negative impact on health and brain function. He studies how the brain adapts to effectively cope with stress; how chronic stress can lead to serious psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD and other illnesses; and his laboratory investigates new and more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of such disorders.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Masahiro Morita, PhD<\/a>
\nAssistant Professor
\nDepartment of Molecular Medicine
\nBarshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies
\n<\/td>		Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer cells change their metabolic programs to efficiently utilize the limited nutrients, ultimately driving macromolecule synthesis (e.g., protein, lipid and nucleotide synthesis) and cell growth and proliferation.
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Dr.<\/td>David Maguire, PhD<\/a>
\nAssistant Professor
\nDepartment of Pharmacology<\/td>		Drug abuse remains a significant public health problem. Many factors contribute to the development and maintenance of drug taking, and understanding these factors will aid in the improvement of prevention and treatment of drug abuse. Our laboratory uses a variety of techniques to study interactions between behavior and pharmacology, with a focus on how those interactions contribute to the therapeutic and abuse-related effects of drugs. Current areas of interest include (1) evaluating novel pharmacotherapies for opioid and stimulant abuse; (2) characterizing effects of drug combinations, particularly combinations that might have therapeutic potential such as treating pain; and (3) examining effects of repeated treatment with drugs of abuse (e.g., opioids) on choice, decision making, and impulsivity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Masahiro Morita, PhD<\/a>
\nAssistant Professor
\nDepartment of Molecular Medicine
\nBarshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies<\/td>		My laboratory is an integrated molecular, cell and biochemistry laboratory studying mitochondrial physiology, calcium signaling, and redox biology in cell function. Our recent discovery demonstrated that a mitochondrial resident transmembrane protein Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter Regulator 1 (MCUR1) is essential for Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter (MCU)-mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake (Nature Cell Biology 2012; Highlights Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Cell Reports 2016).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>James F. Nelson, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Nelson\u2019s research aims to understand the genetic and physiological basis for aging, using nutritional and pharmacologic interventions that extend rodent lifespan as probes. Most recently, his laboratory discovered dramatic genetic variation in the lifespan response to dietary restriction, including a life-shortening effect in some genotypes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Susannah<\/td>Susannah E. Nicholson, M.D.<\/a>
\nAssociate Professor
\nDirector of Trauma Research
\nDr. Ferdinand P. Herff Chair in Surgery
\n<\/td>		<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Luke Norton, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssistant Professor
\nDepartment of Medicine<\/td>		My overall goal as a researcher is to combine physiological studies in humans and rodents with cutting-edge molecular and genomics approaches to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In particular, I am interested in how novel type 2 diabetes candidate genes influence an individual\u2019s risk for diabetes at the physiological and molecular\/genomic level.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Jason O'Connor, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Assistant Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		My laboratory is interested in understanding the complex interactions between the immune system and the brain, with an emphasis on inflammation-induced neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Martin Paukert, M.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Martin Paukert\u2019s lab is interested in the role of neuron-astroglia interaction in neuromodulation. Astroglia are recognized for their homeostatic support functions during neuronal activity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Jason Pugh, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		Dr. Jason Pugh\u2019s lab is interested in understanding how synaptic properties are fine-tuned to function within specific circuits and process information.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Qitao Ran, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Cell Systems and Anatomy<\/td>		The main research interest of my lab is to illustrate the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer\u2019s disease and aging, with a goal of identifying novel targets for Alzheimer\u2019s disease prevention and therapy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>William B. Reeves, M.D., FACP, FASN<\/a>
\nProfessor, Medicine\/Nephrology
\nChairman, Department of Medicine<\/td>		Dr. Reeves directs an active research program in the field of acute kidney injury and has made significant contributions regarding the role of the innate immune system, including inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, toll like receptors, and dendritic cells to the pathogenesis of kidney injury. In addition to his research activities, Dr. Reeves is an active clinician who cares for patients with a wide spectrum of kidney diseases. He has been recognized for ranking in the top percentile nationwide for patient satisfaction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>April Risinger, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\nGreehey Distinguished Chair in Targeted Molecular Therapeutics<\/td>		Dr. April Risinger\u2019s lab is focused on the discovery and preclinical development of novel natural products that have anticancer potential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Nikita Ruparel, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssociate Professor
\nEndodontics<\/td>		Dr. Ruparel's research projects are focused in four broad themes in the area of pain and stem cells. The four main areas of research are: 1) development of novel non-opioid drugs using human tissues and stem cells to treat inflammatory pain using an clinically translational orofacial model of apical periodontitis-induced pain; 2) study sexually dimorphic pain mechanisms mediated by serotonin on nociceptive neurons using a clinically translation orofacial model of dental pulp pain; 3) study the role and function of stem cells in tooth regeneration, specially the role of bacteria\/biofilms on stem cell fate and the immuno- regulatory role of stem cells in wound healing and regeneration and 4) clinical trials in patients to evaluate the role of endodontic procedures on healing and bacterial reduction using cone beam computed tomography and RNA sequencing, respectively.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Shivani Ruparel, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Associate Professor
\n Endodontics<\/td>		Dr. Ruparel\u2019s research program focuses on elucidating mechanisms for cancer cells and sensory neuron interactions in mediating pain as well as tumorigenesis. Her research investigates the contribution of oral cancer cells in regulating sensory nerve terminals at the site of tumor growth leading to cancer-induced pain and studying the mechanisms underlying this communication.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Gangadhara R. Sareddy, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Assistant Professor
\n Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/td>		Sareddy\u2019s current research interest include: 1) understanding the significance of histone lysine demethylase KDM1A and nuclear receptor signaling in glioma stem cells and hypoxia 2) studying the tumor suppressor functions of estrogen receptor beta signaling in ovarian cancer progression and therapy resistance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Mark S. Shapiro, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		The research program of the Shapiro laboratory centers on the physiology, structure and regulation of voltage-gated K+<\/sup> and Ca2+<\/sup>, TRP and Cl\u2013<\/sup> ion channels that serve multiple roles in nerve and muscle, as well as their roles as novel therapeutic targets in myriad diseases of the nervous system.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Yuguang (Roger) Shi, Ph.D<\/a>.
\n Chair in Metabolic Biology
\n Professor of Pharmacology
\n Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies<\/td>		Dr. Yuguang (Roger) Shi\u2019s lab focuses on translational aspects of aging-related metabolic diseases using molecular, cellular, metabolic, and transgenic approaches. Our work has recently identified a critical missing link between mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and the onset of various aging-related diseases, paving the way for the development of novel treatment for these pathogenic conditions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Gek-Ming Sia, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Assistant Professor
\n Pharmacology<\/td>		Research in my lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of synapse formation and elimination.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>J. Randy Strong, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Barshop\/ Pharmacology<\/td>		My research has two major objectives: the first is directed toward understanding receptor mechanisms involved in regulating tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression, the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines. The latter substances are crucially involved in various life-sustaining functions and are implicated in diseases such as hypertension, depression and Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>Xiaoli Sun, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nAssistant Professor<\/td>		Our lab engages communities at Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, the UT San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the UT San Antonio Transplant Center to study chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, and liver cancer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Rajeshwar R. Tekmal, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/td>		The long-range objective of Dr. Tekmal\u2019s research is to elucidate the role of hormones and growth factors and their receptors in the initiation and progression of breast, cervical and ovarian cancers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Alexei V. Tumanov, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>Alexei V. Tumanov, M.D., Ph.D.
\nAssociate Professor<\/td>		Dr. Tumanov\u2019s research focuses on the regulation of mucosal immunity and cancer. We investigate how the immune system regulates the delicate balance between protective immunity and immunopathology at mucosal surfaces, particularly in the gut. The goal of Dr. Tumanov`s research program is to combine molecular data with in vivo models to understand the mechanisms underlying homeostatic and pathological conditions for the development of effective immunotherapies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>David S. Weiss, Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Dean Graduate School of Biomedcial Sciences
\n Professor
\n Cellular and Integrative Physiology<\/td>		y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. Dysfunctions of GABA-mediated inhibition have been implicated in the etiology of a variety of brain disorders such as epilepsy. Furthermore, GABA receptors are a target for a variety of therapeutic, neuroactive compounds such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Mingjiang Xu, Ph.D.<\/a>
\nProfessor,
\nDepartment of Molecular Medicine,
\nCancer Center Council Distinguished Chair in Oncology<\/td>		My laboratory was one of the first laboratories to generate Tet2knockout mouse models and to document the causative role of TET2 inactivation in the development of myeloid malignancies due to enhanced hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and skewed differentiation towards granulocytic\/monocytic lineages (Blood118:4509, 2011). Our subsequent studies have provided additional insights into the role of TET2 in myeloid malignancies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Chih-Ko Yeh, B.D.S., Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor
\n Comprehensive Dentistry<\/td>		Dr. Yeh\u2019s research is focused on studying the effect of aging on oral health, with a special emphasis on saliva and salivary gland biology\/physiology. These studies include: 1) monitoring saliva function in clinical samples from aging, hypertensive, and diabetic stratified populations, as well as HIV infected patients, 2) exploring the pathogenesis of age-related oral and salivary gland diseases, and 3) salivary gland regeneration\/repair with stem cells using genomic and proteomic approaches.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>Meingwei Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>
\n Professor of Molecular Medicine
\nThe Ewing Halsell Distinguished Chair in Research
\nAssociate Director of the MD\/PhD Program at UT San Antonio<\/td>		The Zang lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes and fatty liver disease.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]