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Hypertension
The Staruschenko Labs mission is to progress the understanding of the specific pathways contributing to CKD and hypertension and finding potential treatments for these diseases.
Our members conduct diverse research programs that include bench and translational science addressing the medical needs and treatments related to hypertension and kidney disease.
My laboratory is focused on understanding the mechanisms controlling ion channels’ activity and electrolyte homeostasis, respectively, in the control of blood pressure and kidney diseases. I thoroughly enjoy this journey of discovery and mentoring and hope to enjoy it till retirement (if it ever happens)!
As a lab manager, I’m involved in almost every aspect of the lab’s day-to-day operation being a master of almost all equipment and techniques. I try to resolve issues so everyone can focus on uninterrupted research. I am proficient in animal surgery, tissue culture, molecular biology, and more. On a personal side love road cycling, fishing, and fixing and rebuilding things.
My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in acute and chronic kidney disease (AKI & CKD). By integrating genetic and pharmacological approaches with advanced transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, I aim to identify new molecular pathways and therapeutic targets to mitigate kidney disease. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new tools and software, as well as developing data resources to support research. I am currently developing KidneyMet.Flux, a free resource designed to explore and utilize analyzed kidney bulk and single-cell RNA-seq transcriptomic, as well as metabolomic, data from key studies.
My main objective is to perform innovative and physiologically relevant research in the field of renal physiology. I have a particular interest in studying electrophysiology, renal physiology, and ion transport. By utilizing my electrophysiological skills, I aim to advance our knowledge of ion channels in the kidney and develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for kidney diseases.
I am currently interested in determining the physiology of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition in salt-induced hypertension and mechanisms of lysine transport in the kidney and its role in hypertension and kidney injury. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, running and long walks with my cat, Loki.
My Research is focused on normal and pathophysiological regulation of the Kir5.1 channel in the kidney. I spend my free time reading, traveling and hiking.
My research goal is to understand how uric acid homeostasis affects renal physiology and its dysregulation affects kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Studying kidneys has a personal meaning for me, as I am from Sri Lanka, an island with a higher prevalence of CKD of unknown etiology. When I am not thinking about the kidneys, I love baking and cooking foods that I can share with my lab mates.
I am an international student from the Caribbean, with Dominican and Guyanese nationality. My overall research interest is in renal pathophysiology. Since joining the lab, I have been involved in the development of a project understanding the dietary effects on sexual dimorphism of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Apart from science, I have a passion for traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. I look forward to growing as a scientist and a fulfilling and inspiring Ph.D. journey with the Star Lab!
I am a PhD student here at the Morsani College of Medicine. My research interests include how opioids and cannabinoids affect the kidney, gene therapeutics and weight loss medicine. Outside of work you can find me playing soccer and swimming!
I am excited to be the newest member of the Staruschenko group! I am currently developing a research project focused on the potential role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in the kidneys concerning diabetic kidney disease. Additionally, I have a broad interest in the inflammatory phenotypes associated with various diseases. I look forward to deepening my research in renal physiology. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being out in the Florida sunshine.
My name is Brody Smith and I am a medical student at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. My research interests involve salt sensitive hypertension and genetic disorders that impact metabolic pathways including carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2) deficiency. Using the Dahl-SS rat model I am working on characterizing the interaction between these two disorders and their contribution to blood pressure regulation and renal homeostasis. Outside of the lab, I am a pitcher for the USF Club Baseball team. I also enjoy golfing and lifting weights in my free time.
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a Minor in Public Health. My research interest lies in the study of the physiological mechanisms related to uric acid homeostasis, along with RAAS dysregulation. I participate in the exploration of these topics to produce more effective treatment and prevention of CKD. Outside of the lab, I am a national competitive Figure Skater for the USF Figure Skating Team and a cat enthusiast.
