Basic
The Laboratory of Dr. Emil Martin
Dr. Martin’s research focus is on the evaluation of the Nitric Oxide (NO) receptor soluble Guanylyl Cyclase (sGC). Since sGC plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology and is an important therapeutic target, they are interested in uncovering new methods of NO-independent regulation of sGC. The lab investigates the mechanisms of sGC regulation both by NO-dependent and NO-independent processes. It is investigated how cellular metabolites and interacting proteins in modulate the activity of cellular sGC and its response to NO and other regulators. In searching for new NO-independent modulators of sGC it was determined that several drugs currently used in clinic have off-label effects and at certain concentrations may activate or inhibit sGC.
Dr. Martin’s group has identified a new class of compounds that activate sGC through a novel mechanism and are now pursuing the studies to understand the mechanistic details of this regulation. These studies may yield new pharmacological agents or therapeutic approaches that target physiological function of sGC.
The Laboratory of Dr. Iraida G. Sharina
Dr. Sharina’s research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of NO/cGMP signaling, and the mechanisms of regulation of the expression of human sGC genes. The lab is currently investigating the importance of sGC splicing for regulation of NO/cGMP signaling in human vascular function.
The present findings have demonstrated that the splicing of sGC subunits is modulated by increased H2O2 and NO levels. Alternative splicing is a potential new mechanism modulating sGC expression in diseased atherosclerosis.
The Laboratory of Dr. Ana Maria Zaske
Dr. Zaske oversees the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) core facility, which provides expertise in nanoscale imaging and characterization of biological and non-biological samples. The facility offers topographical imaging in air or liquid environments using high-resolution capacitive sensors for precise nanoscale measurements. In addition to imaging, the AFM enables determination of micromechanical properties such as elasticity, peak force quantitative imaging, adhesion and surface roughness.
Samples ranging from living cells to single molecules can be analyzed with minimal preparation. The core operates a NanoWizard V atomic force microscope (JPK, Bruker Nano Inc.), integrated to a Nikon TE2000 inverted optical microscope for simultaneous bright-field and fluorescence imaging. Specifically designed for biological and medical research, the NanoWizard V AFM enhances versatility and reliability in advanced investigations.