Faculty
Alfred Ayala, Ph.D.
Department of Surgery
Research interests include differential effects of sepsis on immune cell function, the role of programmed cell death/apoptosis in immune dysfunction observed following hemorrhage and/or sepsis, as well as the contribution of the apoptotic process to phagocyte mediated acute lung injury resultant from shock and/or septic insults.
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Wayne Bowen, Ph.D.
Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology
We study sigma receptors, proteins found throughout the body. They bind several classes of psychoactive drugs. Activation of sigma-2 receptors causes programmed cell death (apoptosis). We are trying to understand the underlying mechanisms for this. Because they are highly expressed in cancer cells, we are targeting sigma-2 receptors for development of new antineoplastic agents. Also, antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol damage neurons via sigma-2 receptors. Blocking sigma-2 receptors might prevent the irreversible motor side effects caused by typical neuroleptic agents.
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Andrew G. Campbell, Ph.D.
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
The research program of the lab involves understanding the fundamental structure and function relationships of RNases H with the long term goals of a) unmasking novel nucleic acid metabolic functions associated with the enzymes and b) understanding their placement in the replicative life cycle of the pathogenic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. Trypanosomes are amongst the earliest branching eukaryotes and are the models in which RNA editing and trans-splicing were initially discovered. Accordingly, they are well suited for our studies. Viral RNases H are also being evaluated as potential therapeutic targets, and our studies emphasize identifying RNase H mutations which may account for drug resistance during the course of drug treatment.
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Suzanne M. de la Monte, M.D.
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
We study the roles of brain insulin deficiency and insulin resistance in neurodegeneration. Three diseases of major interest to us are: Alzheimer's, alcoholic neurodegeneration, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Experimentally, we examine how insulin deficiency and/or insulin resistance leads to neuronal death, reduced energy metabolism, and decreased neurotransmission. We also investigate therapeutic measures to prevent or reverse brain abnormalities caused by insulin resistance (Type 3 diabetes).
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Susan Gerbi, Ph.D.
Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Tools of molecular biology allow us to analyze the structure, function, and evolution of eukaryotic nucleic acids. Currently, there are two main projects in which we are involved: DNA Replication and Ribosomal RNA.
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Elizabeth Harrington, Ph.D.
Department of Medicine
The focus of my research is the characterization of intracellular signaling mechanisms which regulate endothelial cell functions and/or responses to environmental cues. Vascular injury has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disorders such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus, identification of molecules key in regulating endothelial cell functions may lead to therapeutic strategies for controlling vascular tissue damage and enhancing repair.
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Joseph Hogan, Sc.D.
Community Health
Dr. Hogan conducts research on statistical methods for missing data, causal inference, and sensitivity analysis. Collaborations in HIV/AIDS and behavioral sciences motivate the methodology. Projects in behavioral sciences concern informative dropout, noncompliance, and treatment mediation in intervention trials. Projects in HIV/AIDS include modeling viral and immunologic response to antiviral therapy, neurocognitive effects of HIV, and effects of HIV/HCV coinfection.
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Diane Lipscombe, Ph.D.
Neuroscience
We study the cellular mechanisms that control the precise architectural features of calcium ion channels in neurons. Why? Because these mechanisms are key to understanding how voltage-gated calcium ion channels control such a vast and disparate array of neuronal functions. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing fine tunes calcium ion channel structure in specific neurons for optimal performance. Our work addresses basic mechanisms that control calcium channel function in normal as well as in disease states, including chronic pain.
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Thais Salazar-Mather, Ph.D.
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Our laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate the directed migration of immune cells into tissue compartments during viral infection. Thus, the interactions between cytokines and chemotactic proteins or chemokines are being evaluated. We have identified novel chemokine-dependent mechanisms for innate and adaptive immune cell trafficking to the liver. Additionally, antiviral events mediated by chemokines are being evaluated. These studies will yield significant novel information for developing antiviral and anticancer treatment protocols.
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Sharon Swartz, Ph.D.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
My primary research interest is the function and evolution of the vertebrate skeletal system. I seek to better understand and interpret the tremendous diversity and range of adaptation in design of vertebrate, particularly the mammalian skeletons.
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Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Nancy L. Thompson, Ph.D., is Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in the Division of Biology and Medicine at Brown University, Professor of Medicine and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Research) and Chair of Rhode Island Hospital COBRE Center for Cancer Research Development Mentoring Committee. Her research interests are in cancer/injury related gene expression and molecular biomarkers.
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Shuping Tong, M.D, Ph.D.
Department of Medicine
We are interested in establishing the impact of hepatitis B virus genotypes and naturally occurring mutations on viral genome replication, protein expression (core protein and e antigen), and virus particle release. It is well documented that certain mutations and some viral genotypes are closely associated with the development of liver cancer, but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We use molecular approaches to address this important medical problem.
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Gary Wessel, Ph.D.
Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry
Our research interest is the egg. We examine the molecular biology of oogenesis, fertilization, and the specification of primordial germ cells during early development. We explore conserved mechanisms found in mice, starfish, and especially in sea urchins.
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