Pulmonary Medicine
Hong Ji, PhD
California National Primate Research Center
(See also: Genetics and Genomics)
The main interest of Dr. Ji’s research group is to elucidate the epigenetic basis of chronic diseases and examine the impact of environmental exposures. We utilize an integrative approach combining methylome, chromatin, gene expression and gene network analysis to identify genes and pathways that may contribute to disease pathogenesis. We perform our research in animal models (rodent and rhesus monkey), cell culture, and human biological specimen. Our current research focuses on understanding the epigenetic regulation of heterogeneous asthma phenotypes and how the epigenome mediate the impact of environmental exposures on disease risk.
Email: hgji@ucdavis.edu
Joao H. N. Soares, MV, MSc, DSc
Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia
(See also: Anesthesia/Pain Management; Surgery, Emergency, and Critical Care)
Dr. Joao Soares is a veterinary anesthesiologist with a research interest in respiratory function during anesthesia, including the use of specialized monitoring such as respiratory mechanics, electrical impedance tomography and volumetric capnography. Current research projects are 1) Evaluation of methods to choose positive end-expiratory pressure during mechanical ventilation of anesthetized dogs; and 2) retrospective study on the occurrence of postanesthetic pulmonary complications in dogs and cats anesthetized at the VMTH.
Potential STAR projects are: 1) Anatomic and alveolar dead space in anesthetized dogs of different breeds; or 2) Effects of blood sampling duration upon arterial blood gases in anesthetized horses in lateral and dorsal recumbency. Both projects will be performed in anesthetized patients of the UCDavis VMTH. Other projects in the area of respiratory physiology applied to anesthesia may be discussed depending on the student interest.
Dr. Soares can be reached via email at jhsoares@ucdavis.edu.
Kent E. Pinkerton, Ph.D.
Professor of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology
(see also: cardiology, immunology, pathology/virology and pharmacology/toxicology)
1) To take an innovative approach in addressing air quality issues in dairy and cattle operations by the examination of direct health effects on the cardiopulmonary systems of mice and rats exposed to ambient particles using a concentrator system at the Tulare Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center.
2) To examine the effects of environmental factors (gases and particles in the air) on peri-natal development to affect lung anatomy and pulmonary function in the rat. From conception to adulthood in the rats takes approximately 6 weeks, an easy fit for one summer!
3) To measure heart rate variability as an indicator of change in autonomic control in the mouse exposed to Davis, CA summer particulates.
4) To take a comparative biology approach to elucidate mechanistic environmental pathways leading to increased susceptibility (fetal onset of adult disease).
5) To examine the role of secondhand smoke on increased susceptibility to infection (influenza).
6) To explore the role of metabolomics as an early indicator of disease (asthma, altered immune function, increased susceptibility to infection).
Dr. Pinkerton can be reached via email at kepinkerton@ucdavis.edu.
Laura S. Van Winkle, Ph.D., DABT
VM: Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology
(See also: Pharmacology/Toxicology)
My research focus is on toxicology and pulmonary cell biology. I study cellular responses in the lung.. Airways are a key site for many human lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and lung cancer. Exposure to toxic air pollutants contributes to development of these diseases in humans and animals. We utilize unique in vivo and in vitro models to study airway epithelial injury and repair in diverse species from mice to monkeys. We have a substantial archive of tissue sections. My laboratories are located at the Center for Health and the Environment. Projects available include studies of: 1) The effect of inhaled particles on airway toxicology and histopathology in rats 2) Effect of inhaled toxic vapors, such as naphthalene on cytotoxicity in the nose and lung 3) Using nanoparticles to understand ultrafine particle dosimetry.
Students are invited to participate in any of these ongoing projects. Students may also conduct an original project of special interest to be completed during the summer session. Ongoing research is supported by funding from several grants from NIH.
Please visit Dr. Van Winkle's website for more information.