Faculty Mentors
| Name: Bai, Yidong | Department: | Cellular & Structural Biology |
| P: 567-0561 | F: 567-3803 | Email: baiy@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Mitochondrial molecular genetics. How mitochondrial dysfunction and mtDNA mutations play a role in cancer, aging, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Develop strategies to mitochondrial function in disease cell models. |
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| Name: Brey, Robin MD | Department: | Neurology |
| P: 567-0611 | F: 567-6962 | Email: brey@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Neuroimmunology; Lupus; antiphospholipid antibodies; stroke |
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| Name: Cavazos, Jose E., M.D., Ph.D. | Department: | Neurology, Pharmacology and Physiology |
| P: 617-5161 | F: 567-4659 | Email: cavazosj@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: My laboratory 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 my 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. We currently are investigating the molecular mechanisms that link the synchronous neuronal hyperexcitability with these morphological events including the role of caspases using in-vivo models and in-vitro organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. We investigate the features of seizure-induced axon sprouting in other limbic circuitries using anatomical tracing techniques, and their electrophysiological consequences in the neuronal excitability of the abnormally connected circuitry using brain slices. Lastly, we are evaluating several antagonists at the various steps in this cascade that leads to circuit plasticity with the aim of identifying the crucial steps in the epileptogenic process amenable to novel pharmacological targets for a better treatment of seizures and epilepsy. My clinical research has focused upon epileptogenesis issues in the post-stroke and post-traumatic epilepsies. In addition, we have examined the clinical effect of drug interactions of antiepileptic drugs. |
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| Name: Chatterjee, Bandana, Ph.D., Professor | Department: | Molecular Medicine |
| P: 567-7218 | F: 567-7324 | Email: Chatterjee@uthscsa |
| Research Area: Aging and Androgen Receptor ExpressionNIH funded project; Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer ---Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA) funded |
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| Name: Copeland, Laurel A PhD | Department: | Psychiatry |
| P: 210-617-5300 x17232 | F: 210-567-4423 | Email: copelandl@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: The substantive focus of my research is serious mental illness ("SMI", primarily schizophrenia & bipolar disorder: health services use, medical-psychiatric comorbidity, adherence, insight into value of treatment, treatment options, differential diagnosis & disparities). Methods typically involve secondary data analysis. I am studying patterns of late-life healthcare use by veterans with schizophrenia, diabetes, or both conditions. Another interest is military medicine: I am examining transition of care by OEF/OIF veterans from the Department of Defense health care system to the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Funded projects have a broad range of topics (SMI, surgery, obesity, CAP, pharmacoepidemiology, PTSD) because I have expertise with VA‘s extensive electronic medical records data extracts. I also participate in a community-based schizophrenia project of Dr Alexander Miller‘s, teach the sessions on secondary data analysis in the Health Science Center‘s Master's of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) program, serve on the IRB, and preside over the Women‘s Faculty Association. |
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| Name: Gao, Shou-Jiang (SJ), Ph.D | Department: | GCCRI |
| P: 562-9030 | F: 562-9014 | Email: gaos@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Cancer biology, Viral oncogenesis, Herpesvirus, Viral latency and reactivation, AIDS-related malignancies, KSHV/HHV8, Kaposi’s sarcoma, microRNA, Angiogenesis, Inflammation, Animal model |
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| Name: Ghosh, Rita, Ph.D. | Department: | Urology |
| P: 567-5664 | F: 567-6868 | Email: ghoshr@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: We study deregulation of DNA damage signaling and cell cycle in cancer. In normal cells checkpoint controls ensure that genomic integrity is maintained. In cancer cells these controls are lost and our overall goal is to exploit these molecular targets to develop strategies for cancer prevention. A variety of cell culture and preclinical animal models are used in our research. |
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| Name: Ghosh-Choudhury, Nandini | Department: | Pathology |
| P: 567-3108 | F: 567-2303 | Email: choudhury@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: My lab is interested in molecular mechanisms of bone remodeling with major emphasis in osteoporosis. Other ongoing projects include signal transduction in controlling breast cancer bone metastasis and molecular mechanism of apoptosis. |
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| Name: Henderson, George I Ph.D. | Department: | Medicine/Pharmacology |
| P: 210-567-4875 | F: 210-567-1976 | Email: Hendersong@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: The primary objective of my research is to gain a better understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying alcohol and oxidative stress-induced damage to the brain, with a primary focus on the developing brain and on neurodegenerative diseases. The pro-oxidant effects of ethanol have been documented in adult and fetal tissues (brain and liver) using in vivo models and in primary cultures of fetal rat cortical neurons and neonatal rat cortical astrocytes. Current studies are focusing on the accelerated apoptotic death of neurons exposed to alcohol with mitochondria as the source of reactive oxygen species and astrocyte-mediated protection from this apoptotic death. A second related research focus is on glia-mediated protection of neurons from environmental toxins which have been connected to neurodegenerative diseases. Findings in our laboratory have illustrated that the well-documented increase in neuron death in the ethanol-exposed developing brain (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) may be due to enhanced mitochondrially-mediated apoptosis (intrinsic pathways). Confocal and multiphoton imaging of live fetal cortical neurons have illustrated that ethanol can elicit an increase in reactive oxygen species within only minutes of exposure and that this is associated with decreased levels of the antioxidant, glutathione. New findings illustrate that astrocytes provide protection against this oxidative stress-induced apoptotic death by maintaining neuron glutathione homeostasis. The system that provides this neuroprotection can be up-regulated at, at least four points, each of which is mediated by an "antioxidant response element"(ARE). This transcriptional-level regulation can be manipulated and studies are ongoing to adapt this to controlled neuroprotection/intervention. In summary, current studies address oxidative stress-mediated apoptotic neuron death in the brain, the role of glutathione antioxidant systems in protection against this, and the glia-mediated neuroprotection. Potential applications are ultimate interventions to oxidative stress mediated disease states, including a variety of neurodegeneration-based diseases, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, stroke, pancreatitis, hepatitis. |
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| Name: Hornsby, Peter | Department: | Physiology |
| P: 562-5080 | F: | Email: hornsby@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: The topic of our research is regenerative medicine and stem cells. We are investigating various applications of stem cells in wound healing and tissue regeneration in mouse models. Specifically we are interested in the role of human adipose stem cells in muscle and bone formation when implanted in immuodeficient mice. We use bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging as part of our methodology. |
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| Name: Jain, Shailesh MD, MPH | Department: | PSYCHIATRY |
| P: 567-5280 | F: 562-5403 | Email: jains@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents |
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| Name: Jiang, Jean X. Jiang PhD | Department: | Biochemistry |
| P: 567-3796 | F: 567-6595 | Email: jiangj@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Cells connect and communicate via an information superhighway named gap junctions. Gap junction channels permit small metabolites, ions, and second messengers to pass from cell to cell. Cells like lens fibers within the interior of the vertebrate eye lens have neither a blood supply nor organelles. Thus, lens survival and homeostasis are uniquely dependent upon intercellular communication via gap junctions with the cells localized at the lens surface. For cells like bone osteocytes, signals generated by mechanical loading can be transmitted extensively at high speed through these channels. Therefore, gap junctions provide the critical means for cell survival and for regulation of physiological functions. Gene mutations of gap junction-forming proteins, connexins lead to human diseases, such as lens cataracts, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, oculodentodigital dysplasia, severe sensorineural hearing loss, etc. Our current research interests are: 1). To determine the gap junction-dependent and independent roles of connexins in lens growth and cataractogenesis. 2). To explore the functional significance of these channels in transmitting the signals generated by mechanical stress for mineralized tissue in mediating bone formation and remodeling. |
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| Name: Keller, Charles MD | Department: | Cellular & Structural Biology; GCCRI |
| P: 562-9062 | F: 562-9014 | Email: kellerc2@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: We use conditional mouse genetics to engineer physiologically-accurate mouse models of the childhood muscle cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, and brain tumor, medulloblastoma. Specific lines of research include defining cell of origin, tumor stem cell, and therapeutic targets in these diseases. |
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| Name: Kirma, Nameer, Ph.D. | Department: | OB/GYN |
| P: 567-4968 | F: 567-4958 | Email: kirma@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Our research program focuses on hormonal and growth factor regulation of breast cancer and gynecological diseases including cervical carcinogenesis and endometriosis. We use transgenic animals as well as in vitro cell line models to dissect biochemical pathways under the regulation of estrogen and growth factors/cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Another aspect of our work is the use of bioactive food components, like fatty acids and red wine phenolics, in breast cancer prevention |
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| Name: Kirma, Nameer, PhD | Department: | OB/GYN |
| P: 567-4968 | F: 567-4958 | Email: kirma@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Our research program focuses on hormonal and growth factor regulation of breast cancer and gynecological diseases including cervical carcinogenesis and endometriosis. We use transgenic animals as well as in vitro cell line models to dissect biochemical pathways under the regulation of estrogen and growth factors/cytokines such as transforming growth factor-beta and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Another aspect of our work is the use of bioactive food components, like fatty acids and red wine phenolics, in breast cancer prevention |
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| Name: Kumar, Addanki Pratap, PhD | Department: | Urology |
| P: 567-5647 | F: 567-6868 | Email: kumara3@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: The long-term objective of the research program in my laboratory is aimed at understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in development, progression and dissemination of prostate cancer using in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical animal models with the idea of translating these observations to the bed side. Epidemiological studies implicate an inverse relationship between prostate cancer incidence and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Recent studies also suggest a tremendous potential for developing natural products for cancer management. However, the safety or efficacy of a great number of these agents has not been scientifically validated. Studies conducted in our laboratory through NIH, DOD and ACS funded research identified transcriptional activation of genes associated proliferation (Cyclin D1), inflammation (Cox-2) and apoptosis (FLIP) drives prostate cancer development and progression. In addition these molecules also contribute to the development of resistance to apoptotic inducing agents leading to development of hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPCA). Therefore understanding the (i) signal transduction pathways involved in the transcriptional activation of Cyclin D1, Cox-2 or FLIP and associated downstream cellular processes and (ii) mechanisms through which FLIP or Cox2-mediated resistance to apoptosis contributes to the development of HRPCA will have tremendous use in prostate cancer prevention efforts. Our laboratory is involved in the identification and development of novel agents from natural products including curcumin, eugenol and resveratrol either alone or in combination targeting such deregulated signaling pathways. To understand the mechanisms that control transcriptional regulation during prostate tumorigenesis, our laboratory uses integrated approaches comprising of in vitro cell culture models and in vivo preclinical animal models. Our laboratory uses numerous cutting edge technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (to monitor in vivo tumor development), chromatin immunoprecipitations, gene and proteomic array along with functional assays. |
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| Name: Lehman, Donna | Department: | Medicine/Clinical Epidemiology |
| P: 567-6714 | F: 567-6955 | Email: lehman@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: My research interests are in population genetics as well as single gene disorders. The current focus of my lab is to identify genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of complex traits such as type 2 diabetes. We apply genetic epidemiologic methods such as linkage and association analyses in large family-based and population-based cohorts. We are also investigating the genetic cause of various highly penetrant ophthalmic disorders. |
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| Name: Mortensen, Eric, MD, MSc, FACP | Department: | Medicine |
| P: 602-7316 | F: 567-4423 | Email: mortensene@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Epidemiology of community–acquired pneumonia and other respiratory infections; Evaluating and improving the quality of inpatient medical care; Evaluating the effects of health care structure and organizational culture on quality of care; Examining the effect of non-antimicrobial medications on outcomes for patients with infectious diseases |
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| Name: Nair, Hareesh Babu Bhaskaran, Ph.D | Department: | Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Research |
| P: 567-4944 | F: 567-4958 | Email: nairh@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Cancer chemoprevention; molecular, epigenetic prognostic markers and modulation of targeted-drug activity in gynecological malignancies. |
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| Name: Parchman, Michael L. | Department: | Family & Community Medicine/VERDICT Health Services Research Program |
| P: 617-5314 | F: 617-5344 | Email: Parchman@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: A focus on primary care processes (continuity of care, coordination of care) and outcomes, primary care practice-based research network development and methodologies, and improving care and outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes in the primary care clinic setting. |
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| Name: Patterson, Jan E. , MD | Department: | Medicine/Infectious Diseases Center for Patient Safety and Health Policy |
| P: 617-5120 | F: 949-3292 | Email: pattersonj@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Antimicrobial resistance; molecular typing of hospital pathogens; prevention of healthcare-associated infections; patient safety; healthcare quality and process improvement |
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| Name: Penalva, Luiz O. | Department: | Cellular and Structural Biology |
| P: 562 9049 | F: 562 9014 | Email: penalva@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: My laboratory investigates different aspects of post-transcriptional regulation, with a special focus on RNA binding proteins. We used a variety of approaches that include bioinformatics, genomics and molecular biology to characterize the regulatory networks formed by RNA binding proteins and their target RNAs. The main projects of the lab are as follows: The fate of a given mRNA is determined by elements located on its UTRs. These elements will dictate levels of translation, stability and will be necessary for transport and localization. We are mapping regulatory elements located on UTRs using a combined in silico/in vivo method; The participation of RNA binding proteins in tumorigenesis is poorly understood. There are just a few examples of RNA binding proteins that appear to work as oncogenes. The characterization of RNA binding proteins that are aberrantly expressed in tumors is necessary as an initial step to establish stronger links between RNA binding proteins and tumor formation. Our lab is currently dissecting the participation of the protein Musashi1 in glioblastoma and medulloblastoma formation; Another important aspect of post-transcriptional regulation is alternative splicing. Due to technical limitations, the study of alternative splicing had been restricted to individual analysis (one alternative splicing event : one regulator). This scenario has changed recently with the advent of alternative slicing microarrays. Our two areas of interest are: the identification of splicing events prevalent in glioblastoma cells and the function of WT1 and WTAP (Wilms’ Tumor 1 and Wilms’ Tumor Associating Protein respectively) in regulated splicing. |
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| Name: Rosenberg, Ethan, MD | Department: | Anesthesiology |
| P: (pager) 220-0086 | F: 358-4742 | Email: rosenberge@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Starting basic science/animal model translation projects over next several months studying mechanisms of neuropathic pain; Writing protocol for clinical trial studying new modality to treat neuropathic pain |
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| Name: Singh, Vivek, MD | Department: | Psychiatry |
| P: 567-5479 | F: 567-3759 | Email: singhv@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Bipolar disorder- phenomenology, pharmacological treatments, intervention research |
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| Name: Thompson, Peter M. , M.D., M.S. | Department: | Psychiatry |
| P: 567-5413 | F: 567-6941 | Email: thompsonp@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: I am the director of the Southwest Brain Bank (SWBB), a repository for postmortem human brain tissue for research in mental illness (http://swbb.uthscsa.edu). The SWBB is a collection of fresh-frozen postmortem brain tissue from normal control subjects and subjects with mental illness and other disorders. Research in the laboratory includes investigating gene expression in bipolar disorder and the relationship between suicide, impulsivity and alcoholism. In suicide project, I am examining how serotonergic proteins and mRNAs in the frontal cortex and brainstem are altered as a function of suicide in alcoholism and the influence of impulsivity in these disorders. |
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| Name: Velez, Luis F. , MD, PhD, MPH | Department: | Epidemiology and Biostatistics |
| P: 562-6506 | F: 348-0554 | Email: Velezl2@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Cancer prevention and control; Tobacco use prevention and control; Health disparities; Latino health |
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| Name: Walter, Christi A., PhD | Department: | Cellular & Structural Biology |
| P: 567-3800 | F: 567-0073 | Email: walter@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: DNA damage and mutations can have profound effects on reproduction, disease and aging. Our laboratory utilizes transgenic and knockout mouse models to identify and characterize mechanisms that function to preserve genetic integrity and thereby counteract the potentially detrimental consequences of DNA damage and mutations. We are currently extending our studies from differentiated cells and tissues to developing methods to assess genetic integrity mechanisms in stem cells. Because stem cells are the source of all daughter cells, the ability to preserve genetic integrity in these cells is likely to have a major impact on genetic integrity in daughter cells. Thus, genetic disease caused by de novo mutations in germ cells, cancer caused by mutations in somatic cells and perhaps aging are strongly influenced by genetic integrity. These are the primary areas of research endeavors in my laboratory. |
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| Name: Wood, Pamela, MD | Department: | Pediatrics |
| P: 562-5344 | F: 562-5319 | Email: woodp@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: Asthma morbidity; asthma interventions; Health literacy; physician-patient communication |
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| Name: Yuan, Zhi-Min | Department: | Radiation Oncology |
| P: 562-9144 | F: 616-5543 | Email: yuanz@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: To pursue studies at the molecular, cellular or whole organism level in elucidating the signaling mechanisms that regulate cellular response to stress and investigating how stress is converted into intracellular signals controlling cell behavior, and the influence of the tissue microenvironment. Our long term goal is to gain a better understanding of the biology of carcinogenesis and to translate our findings to develop strategies for prevention or/and early detection of cancer, and more efficient cancer therapy. The current focus is on 1) the p53 pathway; 2) the importance of the tissue microenvironment in cancer; 3) the c-Abl signaling network in the oxidative stress response; and 4) the molecular mechanism of the adaptive response to stress. |
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| Name: Zeber, John E., PhD | Department: | Psychiatry |
| P: 617-5300, ext. 16666 | F: 567-4424 | Email: zeber@uthscsa.edu |
| Research Area: serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, substance abuse), medical sociology and health beliefs, medication and treatment adherence, ethnicity and health disparities, health policy evaluation, cost-effectiveness and decision analysis, veterans |
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