Research Bio
The focus of my laboratory is on integrative physiology, and in particular on understanding how membrane electrolyte flux and pH regulation influences viability and behavior in the genetic model organism C. elegans. Our approach has been to exploit novel, fluorescent biosensors for measuring physiologic outputs such as calcium, pH, and redox status in unrestrained worms. Our goal is to develop a deeper understanding of how these cell physiologic processes are integrated to mediate the environmental sensitivity and functional output exhibited by live animals. We believe that this combination of physiology and genetics will allow us to discover unique mechanisms whereby cells communicate information in their native context.
My background in mammalian physiology and previous work creating mouse transgenics and gene ablations has helped to allow us translate our findings in worms, as has the congenial atmosphere at the University of Rochester which promotes collaborative efforts. Our lab's funding is currently from the NSF to study calcium and pH synergism during a rhythmic behavior and from the NIH, with co-PI Dr. Paul Brookes, to study ischemic preconditioning in worms. These interactions with other faculty are one of the benefits of working in a multidisciplinary area such as Medicine.
2013 Feb 22
Allman E, Waters K, Ackroyd S, Nehrke K. "Analysis of Ca2+ signaling motifs that regulate proton signaling through the Na+/H+ exchanger NHX-7 during a rhythmic behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans." The Journal of biological chemistry.. 2013 Feb 22; 288(8):5886-95. Epub 2013 Jan 14. |
2012 Apr 1
Johnson D, Allman E, Nehrke K. "Regulation of acid-base transporters by reactive oxygen species following mitochondrial fragmentation." American journal of physiology. Cell physiology. 2012 Apr 1; 302(7):C1045-54. Epub 2012 Jan 11. |
2012 Apr
Sherman TA, Rongali S, Matthews TA, Pfeiffer J, Nehrke K. "Identification of a nuclear carbonic anhydrase in Caenorhabditis elegans." Biochimica et biophysica acta.. 2012 Apr; 1823(4):808-17. Epub 2012 Jan 05. |
2012 Feb 17
Wojtovich AP, Distefano P, Sherman T, Brookes PS, Nehrke K. "Mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel activity and hypoxic preconditioning are independent of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit in Caenorhabditis elegans." FEBS letters.. 2012 Feb 17; 586(4):428-34. Epub 2012 Jan 21. |
2012 Jan
Wojtovich AP, Nadtochiy SM, Brookes PS, Nehrke K. "Ischemic preconditioning: the role of mitochondria and aging." Experimental gerontology. 2012 Jan; 47(1):1-7. Epub 2011 Nov 10. |
