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Department of Pharmacology

  1. Ayala, Sylvette, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor)
    e-mail:sayala@rcm.upr.edu

    The major objective of this project is to study the role of mitochondria in oxysterol-induced apoptosis of human lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Oxysterols represent a class of potent inducers of apoptosis in various cell types, particularly leukemic lymphoid cells. Oxysterols also act as powerful transcriptional regulators of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, cell growth and apoptosis. Although the molecular basis of oxysterol-induced apoptosis of lymphoid cells remains unknown, some studies have suggested that oxysterol induction of apoptosis is mediated by reactive oxygen species generation.


  2. Báez Bermejo, Adriana, Ph.D. (Professor)
    e-mail:abaez@rcm.upr.edu

    I am involved in the study of the molecular pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Recent developments have led us to understand that each cancer type has organ-or cell-specific gene alterations. These altered proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes accumulate during the progression from normal to malignant tissue. The molecular genetic alterations in HNSCC have not been completely characterized. Up to the present very little information has been published about the possible relationship between oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes to the clinicopathological variables of HNSCC associated to tumor aggressiveness and recurrence. The overall objective of our study is to establish the nature and frequency of multiple gene alterations in HNSCC. One of our aims is to assess the role of the INK4/ARF locus, located in chromosome 9p21, and the physiologic and biochemical effects of these mutations on the development and progression of HNSCC. We are also evaluating the involvement of HPV16 in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, and test the hypothesis that infection with HPV16 variants is related to an increased risk of HNSCC.

  3. Corey, Susan, Ph.D. (Associate Professor)
    e-mail:scorey@rcm.upr.edu

    The work of this laboratory is directed to better understand the way in which activity and expression of the Sodium Pump is regulated in the cell. The Sodium Pumpis an integral molecular component of the biological membrana. We are using animal models of disease, such as rats with either hypertension or diabetes mellitus, to study defects in expression. We are also studying the pathways of post-receptor signaling through protein kinase. For this phase of our work we are using cultured astrocytes and a line of neuroblastomas, SH-SY5Y, which expresses opioid receptors.

  4. De Mello, W. C., Ph.D. (Professor)
    e-mail:wmello@rcm.upr.edu

    My principal research interest is the role of the renin angiotensin system on the process of intercellular signaling and electrical properties of the failing heart. These studies involves the role of angiotensin I, angiotensin II and renin on heart cell function including their effects when administered intracellularly.

  5. Fernández-Repollet, Emma, Ph.D. (Professor)
    email:efernandez@rcm.upr.edu

    The long-term research interest of the Renal Pharmacology Laboratory focuses on the study of glomerular function and structure in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Specifically, we are interested in determining the influence of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II, vasopressin, prostaglandins, etc. on the regulation of glomerular filtration rate in experimental models such as cortical necrosis, acute renal failure and diabetes mellitus. We are also evaluating the effects of aging, protein intake, systemic hypertension and magnesium balance on the changes in glomerular function associated with these conditions. Moreover, we are performing morphological studies to correlate the alterations in glomerular function with structural changes. The following techniques are currently available in the Renal Pharmacology Laboratory: isolated glomeruli preparation, glomerular mesangial cell culture, clearance and balance studies, electrolyte analysis, flow cytometry analysis and image analysis. Experimental studies also require the use of special facilities, currently available on the Medical Sciences Campus, such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry.

  6. Herreño Sáez, Diógenes, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor)
    e-mail:dherreno@rcm.upr.edu

    The primary research interest in our laboratory of Toxicology is in the area of Chemical Carcinogenesis. The research areas includes:
  1. Chemical and biological interactions of xenobiotics (drugs, chemicals) with cellular macromolecules.
  2. Metabolic activation and detoxification of xenobiotics.
  3. Ethnicity and suceptibility to cancer.
  4. Molecular biomarkers as indicators of exposure to chemical carcinogens.
  5. Structure-activity relationship and molecular mechanisms of action.
  1. Ortíz, José G., Ph.D. (Associate Professor)
    e-mail:jortiz@rcm.upr.edu

    GABA and glutamate (GLU) are well-established neurotransmitters in the mammalian brain. Their release, binding and uptake are key processes in synaptic transmission. Current efforts are focused on identifying short vs. long-term mechanism(s) that regulate GABA and GLU uptake, release and binding. Understanding the contribution of the different regulatory mechanisms under conditions that mimic neurological conditions such as epilepsy, could provide a more comprehensive approach to their human counterparts. In addition, the effects of some natural products on GABA and GLU transmission are also being examined.

  2. Specht, Philip C., Ph.D. (Associate Professor)
    e-mail:pspecht@rcm.upr.edu

    Research in several areas of computer modeling and simulation. Recent projects have included pharmacokinetic simulations, HIV/T-Cell infection dynamics (with emergence of drug-resistant mutants), diabetes and glucose tolerance test, dynamics of the desensitization of the nicotinic receptor for acetylcholine, and conditions leading to epidemics in infectious diseases such as measles.


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Contact:
Emma Fernández-Repollet,Ph.D.
Program Director
RCMI Program
Room 621-A, 6th. floor
Main Building, Medical Sciences Campus
GPO Box 365067
San Juan, PR 00936-5067
Email: efernandez@rcm.upr.edu
Telephones:
Voice (787) 763-9401
FAX (787) 758-5206
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