Donna Wang, Research Director

The research group directed by Dr. Donna Wang deals with cardiovascular pharmacology and physiology, hypertension, salt sensitivity, and hormonal and neuronal control of blood pressure. Recent data from Dr. Wang’s laboratory indicate that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, activated by novel lipid metabolites, serve as molecular transducers for sodium and water balance and function to prevent salt-induced increases in blood pressure. Current projects will elucidate the importance of the TRP superfamily expressed in various cardiovascular tissues in the regulation of salt sensitivity of arterial pressure.

Another line of research is to define the cellular and molecular events and interactions between several cardiovascular regulatory systems including the rennin-angiotensin system, the endothelin system, and the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. Methodologies encompass from single molecule to organ to tissue function to transgenic animals.

In collaborating with investigators of Chemical Engineering & Materials Sciences and Electrical and Computer Engineering, we are developing unique and powerful nanotechnology tools for innovative investigation of the aforementioned systems. One is the robotic scanning probe microscope system that will eventually enable us to recognize and to stimulate a single receptor and to observe the consequences. The other system is a biosensor array for continuous, real time, and in-situ measurement of local tissue concentrations of hormones. It is anticipated that the data generated from these studies will provide the molecular basis for the development of specific regimens for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.