Research
Basic science
Several department faculty, medical residents, postdoctoral fellows, laboratory technicians and students are pursing basic science research aimed to discover and identify basic biological mechanisms that underlie pediatric health and disease. These studies are supported by federally funded NIH grants, industry awards and private funding.
Our research laboratories include approximately 8,868 square feet of basic research space across the VCU Medical Center where researchers have access to state-of-the-art equipment and core facilities. Many laboratories are located in close proximity to faculty in other departments, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations and a supportive environment for research growth and training.
Faculty research laboratories
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Lab contact: Michael McVoy |
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Research interests: The mission of our laboratory is to improve human health by developing new tools to combat a very serious pathogen, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We are approaching this problem through two avenues: understanding the basic mechanisms of herpesvirus genome replication and maturation, with an aim toward development of novel antiviral drugs; and exploring novel approaches to vaccine design. Herpesvirus DNA maturation Alkaline nuclease. While genetic studies suggest this protein is critically important for HCMV replication, its function remains a mystery. Through in silico modeling, mutagenesis and recombinant protein expression, we have identified critical amino acids required for enzymatic activity. Current efforts are focused on insertion of these mutations into the viral genome to evaluate their impact on viral replication and in silico compound library screening to identify candidate inhibitors. Novel approaches to HCMV vaccines Antibodies that neutralize epithelial entry. The ability to elicit potent neutralizing antibody responses may be critical for a successful HCMV vaccine. In 2008, we showed that two experimental vaccines, the Towne live attenuated vaccine and the subunit gB/MF59 vaccine, perform poorly, compared to natural infection, with respect to inducing neutralizing antibodies that block epithelial cell entry. Evidence suggests that epitopes crucial for inducing such activity lie within the gH/gL/UL128-131 complex. Current studies are focused on characterizing humoral responses to this complex and identifying vaccine strategies to induce them. Strategies of interest include DNA vaccines, subunit proteins, peptides, and live attenuated, disabled or inactivated whole virus-based approaches. |
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Recent publications: Saccoccio, F. M., M. K. Gallagher, S. P. Adler, and M. A. McVoy. 2011. Neutralizing Activity of Saliva against Cytomegalovirus. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 18:1536-1542. PMC3165217 Free PMC Article Kuchta, A. L., H. Parikh, Y. Zhu, G. E. Kellogg, D. S. Parris, and M. A. McVoy. 2012. Structural modelling and mutagenesis of human cytomegalovirus alkaline nuclease UL98. The Journal of General Virology 93:130-138. PMC3352332 Free PMC Article Cui, X., S. P. Adler, A. J. Davison, L. Smith, S. E. Habib el, and M. A. McVoy. 2012. Bacterial artificial chromosome clones of viruses comprising the towne cytomegalovirus vaccine. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012:428498. PMC3236503 Free PMC Article Wang, J. B., Y. Zhu, M. A. McVoy, and D. S. Parris. 2013. Changes in subcellular localization reveal interactions between human cytomegalovirus terminase subunits. Virology Journal, 9:315. PMID: 23259714 Free full text Yang, D., K. Tamburro, D. Dittmer, X. Cui, M. McVoy, N. Hernandez, and M. Schleiss. 2013. Complete Genome Sequence of Pathogenic Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus from Salivary Gland Homogenate of Infected Animals. Genome Announcements, 1:1. PMID: 23516193 Free PMC Article Cui, X., R. Lee, S. P. Adler, and M. A. McVoy. 2013. Antibody inhibition of human cytomegalovirus spread in epithelial cell cultures. J Virol Meth, 192:44-50 PMID: 23669101 Bhave, S., H. Elford, and M. A. McVoy. 2013. Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors hydroxyurea, didox, and trimidox inhibit human cytomegalovirus replication in vitro and synergize with ganciclovir. Antiviral Research, in press. |
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Lab contact: Jie Xu, Ph.D. |
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Research interests: Scientific investigations aim to understand:
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Recent publications: Kasat K, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P Neonatal Red Blood Cell Transfusions: Searching for Better Guidelines, Blood Transfusion 9: 86-94, 2011 Bailey S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Animal Origins of Surfactant: Physician Perception and Practice Regarding Parent Information Sharing in Neonatal Intensive Care. Am J. Bioethics AJOB Primary Research, 2: 1, 26-33, 2011 Gordon PV, Seidner SR, Davis JM, Schelonka R, Durand DJ, Segar J, Watterberg K, Hendricks-Munoz, KD et al. Regarding Part IV of Recertification in Neonatology: A Consensus Perspective of 69 Academic Neonatology Section Heads. eJournal of Neonatology Research 1:1 eJNR21606072v1i1p7y2011 Curatola AM, Xu J, and Hendricks-Munoz KD*. Cyclic GMP Protects Endothelial Progenitors from Oxidative Stress. Angiogenesis, 14;267, 2011. Schulman J, Stricof R, Stevens TP, Horgan M, Gase K, Holzman IR, Koppel RI, Nafday S, Gibbs K, Angert R, Simmonds A, Lisa Saiman, the NYS Regional Perinatal Centers ( Hendricks-Munoz, KD) Statewide NICU Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates Decline After Bundles and Checklists. Pediatrics 127:436-444, 2011. Bautista, A, Eng WS, Hendricks-Muñoz, KD, Mahal L. Identification of a Conserved Glycan Signature for Microvesicles. Journal of proteome research. 10: 4624 (#J0225257), 2011 Bailey S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Near-infrared Spectroscopy SCORE (Splanchnic-Cerebral Oxygenation Ratio Evaluation) Can Help Determine Premature Infant Blood Transfusion Needs". Transfusion. Feb;52(2):252-60. PMID: 21790634 , 2012. Mally P, Bailey S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD*. Incidence and Etiology of Late Preterm Admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Its Associated Respiratory Morbidities When Compared to Term Infants. Am J Perinatol.. 2012 Oct 24. PMID:23096053. Hendricks-Muñoz KD*, Guillermo Perez-Perez, Xu, J, Kim Y, Louie M, Maternal Antenatal Treatments Influence initial oral bacterial acquisition in the Preterm Infant. Am J Perinatology Jan;30(1):47-52. PMID: 23359231 [PubMed , 2013 Bailey SM, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Parental Influence on the Clinical Management during Neonatal Intensive Care: A survey of US Neonatologists. J of Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine 2013 Aug;26(12):1239-44 PMID: 23414460 , 2013. Hendricks-Muñoz KD*, Li Y, Kim Y, Louie M. Maternal and neonatal nurse perspectives on the value of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and maternal-care partnership in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). PMID:23359231 Am J Perinatology Jan,28 2013 ahead of print Bailey SM, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Cerebro-splanchnic oxygen ratio(CSOR) values in Healthy Term Newborn Infants as measured by near-infrared spectroscophy (NIRS)", Pediatric Surgery International PMID: 23456284 , Feb 28, 2013. Suguna Narasimhulu S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Borkowsky W, Mally P. Usefulness Of Urinary Immune Biomarkers In Evaluation Of Neonatal Sepsis: A Pilot Project. Clinical Pediatrics Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2013 Jun;52(6):520-6. PMID 23539685 . Epub 2013 Mar 28 Bailey SM, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Cerebral, renal, and splanchnic tissue oxygenation saturation values in healthy term newborn infants. PMID: 23873114 Am J of Perinatology, 2013. Abstracts and presentations Mora R, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Retinal Vascular Growth Is Delayed by Caffeine Treatment for Apnea of Prematurity. Poster Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co Narasimhulu S,, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Usefulness of Urinary Biomarkers in Evaluation of Neonatal Sepsis: A Pilot Platform Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co Hoang T, Hendricks-Munoz KD, Kim Y. "Impact of Multidisciplinary Team Approach on Late-Onset Infection Rate" Poster Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co Mally P, Caprio M, Jean P, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. "Patient-Ventilator Interaction during Conventional Ventilation and during Neurally Adjusted Ventilator Assist (NAVA) in Intubated Neonates Poster Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co Mally P, Bailey S, Narasimhulu S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. "Impact of Routine Neonatal Intensive Care [NICU] Monitoring on Late Pre-Term Infants [LPT]" Poster Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co Narasimhulu S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. "Urinary Cytokines as biomarker of early newborn sepsis. Platform, Eastern Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Philadelphia. Narasimhulu S, Hendricks-Munoz KD, Mally P. "Urinary Cytokines as biomarker of early newborn sepsis. New York Perinatal Society, 2011. Mora R, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Retinal Vascular Growth Is Delayed by Caffeine Treatment for Apnea of Prematurity", New York Perinatal Society, 2011. Narasimhulu S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. "Urinary Cytokines as biomarker of early newborn sepsis. Platform, Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co, 2011 Mora R, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Retinal Vascular Growth Is Delayed by Caffeine Treatment for Apnea of Prematurity", abstract #753473, Society of Pediatric Research, Denver Co, 2011 Mally P, Caprio M , Jean P, Hendricks-Munoz, KD: "Patient-Ventilator Interaction during Conventional Ventilation and during Neurally Adjusted Ventilator Assist (NAVA) in Intubated Neonates: Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co, 2011 Mally P, Bailey S, Narasimhulu S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. "Impact of Routine Neonatal Intensive Care [NICU] Monitoring on Late Pre-Term Infants : Society of Pediatric Research 2011 Denver Co, 2011 Plateroti, P, Hendricks-Muñoz, KD, Xu J and Curatola AM. Effects of Caffeine on Retinal Endothelial Cells: Implications for Retinopathy of Prematurity. 37th Annual Meeting of the European Paediatric Ophthalmological Society (EPOS), June 17th, 2011 Cruz H, Hendricks-Muñoz, KD, Wachtel E. Initial Clinical Characteristics predictive of progression of neonatal encephalopathy and need for Hypothermia Therapy. Society of Pediatric Research, June 2012 Aguirre A, Kim Y, Caprio M, Hendricks-Muñoz, KD, Impact of availability of tertiary cardiac surgical services at birth on neonatal cardiac preoperative outcome” Preoperative differences of neonates born at hospitals with and without cardiac surgical services” Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2012 Mally P, Bailey S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Clinical outcomes of early term infants Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2012 Bailey S, Mally P, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation in the healthy term infant. Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2012 Wachtel E, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Impact of Antenatal Placental Insufficiency on Long Term Postnatal Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcome. Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2012 Hoang T, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Mally P. Establishing Normograms for Salivary Cytokines as a Biomarker for Early Onset Sepsis, Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2012 Hoang T, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Bailey S. Antenatal Magnesium therapy impact on neonatal clinical outcome. Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2012 Pennesi C, Hoang T, Kim Y, Hendricks-Muñoz KD*. Impact of Structured Kangaroo Mother Care Nursing Training on Nursing Competency and Utilization of KMC. Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2013 Karam S, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Xu J, Rozycki H. Multiplex cytokine analysis from trancheal aspirates in ELBW infants: Relationships to ventilation and outcomes. Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2013 Russo-Menna I, Carter K, MD2, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Rezba C. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a monitor of intraoperative ventricular volume, function and IV fluid management: impact on intra and postoperative fluid management in the partial separation of conjoined twins. Society of Anesthesia Research, 2013 Mohammed T, Munoz JL, Ober J, Lewis S, Xu J, Cone S, Edmond M, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and the individual room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2013 Jurdi S, Jayaram A , Moores R, Mohammed T, Fox J, Barker G , Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, VA Sustained Quality Improvement initiatives improve neonatal morbidities in premature infants -an institutional experience Society of Pediatrics Research, May 2013 Mohammed T, Munoz JL, Ober J, Lewis S, Xu J, Cone S, Edmond M, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and the individual room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Eastern Society of Pediatrics Research, Philadelphia, Mar 2013 Fox J, Mohammed T, Moores R, Jayaram A, Cone S, Barker G, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Getting to Zero: Development of a NEC QI initiative to decrease progression in NEC severity. Eastern Society of Pediatrics Research, Philadelphia, Mar 2013 Hoang T, Mally PV, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD*. Salivary cytokine analysis in preterm infants: Relationship to early delivery and levels in the well Full term infant. Society of Pediatrics Research May, 2013. Mohammed T, Muñoz JL, Ober J, Lewis S, Xu J, Cone S, Edmond M, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and the individual room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Society of Pediatrics Research Society of Pediatrics Research May, 2013. Bailey SM, Hendricks-Muñoz, KD, Mally P. Cerebro-splanchnic oxygen ration (CSOR) values in healthy term infants as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) Society of Pediatrics Research Society of Pediatrics Research May, 2013. Book chapters Wachtel E and Hendricks-Munoz KD*. Management of the Asphyxiated Newborn in Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care 2011 May-Jun; 41(5):132-53. Hendricks-Muñoz KD and Prendergast CC. Family Centered and Developmental Care: Improving Outcome in the NICU, in Neonatal Secrets 3rd Edition, Richard A Polin and Alan R Spitzer Editors, Mosby Elsevier Publishers, 2013 Mally P and Hendricks-Muñoz KD*. Late Preterm Infant: Clinical Decision Support: Pediatrics, edited by McMillan, Barrett, Boney, and Jones, 2013; online reference. |
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Lab contact: Amy Miner |
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Research interests: The focus of my laboratory is regulation of smooth muscle contraction, specifically vascular and urinary bladder. We currently have joined forces with Department of Emergency Medicine (VCURES) to work on a project to understand the subcellular mechanisms causing vascular hyporeactivity during hemorrhagic, septic and cardiac shock. We also are working with collaborators in the Department of Surgery (Urology) to understand the mechanisms responsible for enhanced rhythmic contractile activity during the bladder filling phase that correlates with overactive bladder syndrome. |
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Recent publications: A new and automated method for objective analysis of detrusor rhythm during the filling phase. Klausner AP, King AB, Byrne MD, Habibi JR, Li K, Sabarwal V, Speich JE, Ratz PH. World J Urol. 2013 Apr 30. PMID: 23633125 Fourier transform analysis of rabbit detrusor autonomous contractions reveals length dependent increases in tone and slow wave development at long lengths. Byrne MD, Klausner AP, Speich JE, Southern JB, Habibi JR, Ratz PH. J Urol. 2013 Jul;190(1):334-40. PMID: 23485511 Elevated steady-state bladder preload activates myosin phosphorylation: detrusor smooth muscle is a preload tension sensor. Southern JB, Frazier JR, Miner AS, Speich JE, Klausner AP, Ratz PH. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2012 Dec 1;303(11):F1517-26. PMID: 22993074 Carbachol-induced volume adaptation in mouse bladder and length adaptation via rhythmic contraction in rabbit detrusor. Speich JE, Wilson CW, Almasri AM, Southern JB, Klausner AP, Ratz PH. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012 Oct;40(10):2266-76. PMID: 22614640 Adjustable passive stiffness in mouse bladder: regulated by Rho kinase and elevated following partial bladder outlet obstruction. Speich JE, Southern JB, Henderson S, Wilson CW, Klausner AP, Ratz PH. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2012 Apr 15;302(8):F967-76. PMID: 22205227 Rho-kinase inhibition attenuates calcium-induced contraction in β-escin but not Triton X-100 permeabilized rabbit femoral artery. Clelland LJ, Browne BM, Alvarez SM, Miner AS, Ratz PH. J Muscle Res Cell Motil. 2011 32(2):77-88. PMID: 21706258 Prostaglandin E2 mediates spontaneous rhythmic contraction in rabbit detrusor muscle. Klausner AP, Johnson CM, Stike AB, Speich JE, Sabarwal V, Miner AS, Cleary M, Koo HP, Ratz PH. Can J Urol. 2011 Apr;18(2):5608-14. PMID: 21504648 Active tension adaptation at a shortened arterial muscle length: inhibition by cytochalasin-D. Bednarek ML, Speich JE, Miner AS, Ratz PH. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2011 Apr;300(4):H1166-73. Epub 2011 Jan 14. PMID: 21239639 ROK controls urethral tone, but by what mechanism? Ratz PH. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2011 Jan;300(1):F71-2. PMID: 20962113 Failure of Bay K 8644 to induce RhoA kinase-dependent calcium sensitization in rabbit blood vessels. Alvarez SM, Miner AS, Browne BM, Ratz PH. Br J Pharmacol. 2010 Jul;160(6):1326-37. PMID: 20590624 COX Inhibitors and Overactive Bladder: The Potential for Future Therapy. Ratz PH, Speich JE and Klausner AP. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep. 2010 5:4-12 Length adaptation of the passive-to-active tension ratio in rabbit detrusor. Almasri AM, Ratz PH, Speich JE. Ann Biomed Eng. 2010 Aug;38(8):2594-605. Epub 2010 Apr 13. PMID: 20387122 Evidence that actomyosin cross bridges contribute to "passive" tension in detrusor smooth muscle. Ratz PH, Speich JE. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2010 Jun;298(6):F1424-35. Epub 2010 Apr 7. PMID: 20375119 Rhythmic contraction generates adjustable passive stiffness in rabbit detrusor. Almasri AM, Ratz PH, Bhatia H, Klausner AP, Speich JE. J Appl Physiol. 2010 Mar;108(3):544-53. Epub 2010 Jan 7. PMID: 20056849 Adaptation of the length-active tension relationship in rabbit detrusor. Speich JE, Almasri AM, Bhatia H, Klausner AP, Ratz PH. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2009 Oct;297(4):F1119-28. Epub 2009 Aug 12. PMID: 19675182 Calcium-independent phospholipase A2 participates in KCl-induced calcium sensitization of vascular smooth muscle. Ratz PH, Miner AS, Barbour SE. Cell Calcium. 2009 Jul;46(1):65-72. Epub 2009 May 31. PMID: 19487023 Potentiation of carbachol-induced detrusor smooth muscle contractions by beta-adrenoceptor activation. Klausner AP, Rourke KF, Miner AS, Ratz PH. Eur J Pharmacol. 2009 Mar 15;606(1-3):191-8. Epub 2009 Jan 29. PMID: 19374847 Potential for control of detrusor smooth muscle spontaneous rhythmic contraction by cyclooxygenase products released by interstitial cells of Cajal. Collins C, Klausner AP, Herrick B, Koo HP, Miner AS, Henderson SC, Ratz PH. J Cell Mol Med. 2009 Sep;13(9B):3236-50. Epub 2009 Feb 20. PMID: 19243470 Rho-kinase inhibition attenuates calcium-induced contraction in β-escin but not Triton X-100 permeabilized rabbit femoral artery. Clelland LJ, Browne BM, Alvarez SM, Miner AS, Ratz PH. J Muscle Res Cell Motil. 2011 32(2):77-88. PMID: 21706258 Prostaglandin E2 mediates spontaneous rhythmic contraction in rabbit detrusor muscle. Klausner AP, Johnson CM, Stike AB, Speich JE, Sabarwal V, Miner AS, Cleary M, Koo HP, Ratz PH. Can J Urol. 2011 Apr;18(2):5608-14. PMID: 21504648 |
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Lab contact: Jennifer Bradley |
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Current projects: Innate Immune Function in Newborn Type I Alveolar Epithelial Cells | |
Research interests: Premature babies are at risk for developing chronic lung disease, known as BPD or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The primary risk factor is prematurity, as well as exposure to mechanical ventilation, oxygen and infection. These factors precipitate a strong inflammatory response and, eventually lung development simplification. Our lab is investigating the inflammatory phase of BPD. Specifically, we are investigating the potential role of Type I alveolar epithelial cells and the role of prematurity in damage-mediated inflammation. Type I cells cover the vast majority of surface area in the lung. They are exposed to environmental stimuli and are susceptible to injury from hyperoxia for example. Previously thought to be terminally differentiated and only involved in gas and water/solute exchange, recent work in adult rats have demonstrated their capacity to produce chemokines and other inflammatory mediators. We are isolating Type I cells from one day old mice and comparing their inflammatory response to cells from adult mice. In addition, we are investigating the in vitro proliferation capacity of newborn Type I cells. Since these cells express high levels of RAGE receptors, and are the only pulmonary cell line that have RAGE receptors, we are also investigating if the inflammatory response in Type I cells is mediated through RAGE. |
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Recent publications: Aucott SW, Watterberg KL, Shaffer ML, Donohue PK, PROPHET study group Early cortisol values and long-term outcomes in extremely low birth weight infants. J Perinatol. 2010;30:484-8. Read more Tanabe T, Kanoh S, Rozycki HJ, Rubin BK. Cardiac asthma: New insights into an old disease. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2012;6:705-14. Read more Rozycki HJ, Zhao W. Interleukins for the paediatric pulmonologist. Paediatric Respiratory Reviews 2014 ;15:56-68. Read more Hoffer-Schaefer A, Rozycki HJ, Yopp M, Brock A, Rubin BK. Guaifenesin does not improve symptoms or change the properties of sputum in persons with acute respiratory tract infection. Respir Care. 2014 May;59(5):631-6. doi: 10.4187/respcare.02640. Read more Rozycki HJ. Potential contribution of Type I lung epithelial cells to chronic neonatal lung disease Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2014.00045. Read more |
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Lab contact: Jennifer Bradley, B.A. |
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Research interests: There are three major themes in our research:
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Recent publications: Rubin BK, Priftis KN, Schmidt HJ, Henke MO. Secretory hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary mucus hypersecretion. Chest 2014;146:496-507. Read more Rubin BK, Williams RW. Emerging aerosol drug delivery strategies: From bench to clinic. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014 doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.06.008. Read more Strickland SL, Rubin BK, Drescher GS, Haas CF, O'Malley CA, Volsko TA, et al. AARC clinical practice guideline: effectiveness of nonpharmacologic airway clearance therapies in hospitalized patients. Respir Care 2013;58:2187-93. Read more Tanabe T, Kanoh S, Moskowitz WB, Rubin BK. Cardiac asthma: transforming growth factor-beta from the failing heart leads to squamous metaplasia in human airway cells and in the murine lung. Chest 2012;142:1274-83. Read more Tanabe T, Rozycki HJ, Kanoh S, Rubin BK. Cardiac asthma: new insights into an old disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2012;6:705-14. Read more Tanabe T, Shimokawaji T, Kanoh S, Rubin BK. IL-33 stimulates CXCL8/IL-8 secretion in goblet cells but not normally differentiated airway cells. Clin Exp Allergy 2014;44:540-52. Read more Teves ME, Zhang Z, Costanzo RM, Henderson SC, Corwin FD, Zweit J, Sundaresan G, Subler M, Salloum FN, Rubin BK, Strauss JF 3rd. Sperm-associated antigen-17 gene is essential for motile cilia function and neonatal survival. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2013;48:765-72. Read more Tokita E, Tanabe T, Asano K, Suzaki H, Rubin BK. Club cell 10-kDa protein attenuates airway mucus hypersecretion and inflammation. Eur Respir J 2014 pii: erj00809-2013. Read more Nicola ML, Carvalho HB, Yoshida CT, Anjos FM, Nakao M, Santos Ude P, Cardozo KH, Carvalho VM, Pinto E, Farsky SH, Saldiva PH, Rubin BK, Nakagawa NK. Young "healthy" smokers have functional and inflammatory changes in the nasal and the lower airways. Chest. 2014;145:998-1005. Read more McNamara DG, Asher MI, Rubin BK, Stewart A, Byrnes CA. Heated humidification improves clinical outcomes, compared to a heat and moisture exchanger in children with tracheostomies. Respir Care. 2014;59:46-53. Read more Dodson KM, Cohen RS, Rubin BK . Middle ear fluid characteristics in pediatric otitis media with effusion. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2012;76:1806-09. Read more
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Lab contact: Shuo Zheng, Ph.D. |
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Research interests: We have focused on investigating the pathogenesis of some of the most challenging problems in pediatric pulmonology:
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Lab contact: Location: Mcguire Hall, 1112 E. Clay St. |
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Current projects: Co-investigator and member of Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Center of VCU (NIH research project; PI: Dr. Lawrence Schwartz) | |
Research interests: Dr. Wei Zhao’s research interest is regulation of human mast cell function. Our major contributions include: 1) the determination that proteases produced by human skin mast cells degrade endogenous as well as recombinant cytokines; 2) human skin derived mast cells express functional FcγRIIa, but not FcγRIIb (our data challenge the current dogma that immunotherapy works through the induction of IgG antibody, which binds to FcγRIIb and transduces inhibitory signals to cells upon allergen exposure); 3) TGF-β regulates mast cell function through inhibiting its de novo expression of kit. Currently, we are studying the mechanism of desensitization by using both in vitro and in vivo models. Our in vitro model uses human skin derived mast cells which are sensitized to NP-IgE and then desensitized with NP-BSA. On the other hand, penicillin allergic patients are recruited to undergo desensitization. In addition to monitoring their hypersensitivity status before and after desensitization, basophils are isolated and tested ex vivo for their ability to respond to different stimuli. This research project will help to answer critical questions such as the duration of desensitization, the status of cross-desensitization, and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanism of drug desensitization. |
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Recent publications: Gomez G, Zhao W, Schwartz LB. Disparity in FcεRI-induced degranulation of primary human lung and skin mast cells exposed to adenosine.J Clin Immunol. 2011 Jun;31(3):479-87. Epub 2011 Mar 25. |