Alpha2-andrenergic receptors in regeneration and carcinogenesis

The Okusa laboratory combines the following experimental methods: 1) in vivo experimentation in wild-type and genetically modified mice, bone marrow chimeric mice, tissue specific gene deletion using Cre/lox technology and adoptive transfer studies, 2) in vitro cellular and molecular approaches using standard methods including flow cytometry to understand the immunobiology and molecular mechanisms of kidney injury and repair following ischemia-reperfusion (IR) or following exposure to toxic chemotherapeutic agents such as cis-platin. These studies have led to a better understanding of immune recognition by bone marrow-derived cells and its prevention by activation of several G-protein coupled receptors. These studies have led to have broader implications regarding cancer biology; graft vs host disease and immune tolerance.