Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2006

Mentor: Raymond Quigley
Department: Pediatrics
Room number: G3.250
Mail Code: 9063
Phone number: 214-648-3438
E-mail: Raymond.quigley@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Effect of P450 Eicosanoids on NHE3 activity

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type: basic research

Brief Description of Project:
The proximal tubule of the kidney reabsorbs the bulk of the filtered load of sodium. The primary transporter for the apical entry of sodium is the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE3). A number of hormones regulate the activity of this transporter but the second messenger systems are not completely understood. There is evidence that P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid are key regulators of this process.
This project will examine directly the effect of these compounds on NHE3 activity. This will be done using cell culture techniques. OKP cells (a model of the proximal tubule) are grown in culture. NHE3 activity is measured by following intracellular pH changes using the pH sensitive fluorescent dye, BCECF. These measurements will be done in control cells as well as cells that have been treated with these compounds.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:
Megan has worked in my lab on this project before and wishes to continue with it.
I have also worked with Jennifer Lang (her project is now being submitted for publication) and Matthew Wallenstein (his project was presented as an abstract at a national meeting).
In addition, Larrisa Khatain and Ana Castillo have worked in my lab and gained experience in research.

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