Transduction of respiratory mechanical changes into a neural code that is transmitted to and processed by the central nervous system. Comparative renal endocrinology. Origin of the renin-angiotensin system in lower vertebrates. Fluid balance regulation. Atrial natriuretic peptide in fish moving from water of different salinities.
Research program is active in clinical and basic science.
Emphasis of research is role of growth factors in pathogenesis of diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications. Special interest in growth factor regulation of proteases and their inhibitors. Cloning of subunits, reconstitution of pumps and porters and their role in molecular homeostasis. Review Editor of Journal of Experimental Biology. Study of the melanocortin system including the design and synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics, molecular pharmacology, in vitro receptor mutagenesis, physiology, and neuroscience to understand the role of the AGRP and melanocortins in obesity and feeding behavior.