Research in the Brendan J. Canning Lab is focused on mechanistic studies of the cough reflex. Through our work, we identified the afferent nerves that play an essential role in regulating cough. We have also been characterizing the CNS pathways regulating the cough reflex and interactions amongst various afferent nerve subtypes in regulating cough. We have identified key sites of integration of airway afferent nerve input and mechanisms by which afferent nerve subtypes act synergistically to regulate cough. Our experimental approaches include electrophysiological recordings, CNS microinjection techniques, in vivo preparations for monitoring cough and reflex bronchospasm, neuronal tracing and immunohistochemistry.

The Jean Kim Laboratory performs translational research in the area of chronic rhinosinusitis, with a niche interest in the pathogenesis of hyperplastic nasal polyposis. Studies encompass clinical research to basic wet laboratory research in studying the underlying immune and autoimmune mediated mechanism of polyp growth and perpetuation of disease. Human cell and tissue culture models are used. Techniques in the laboratory include cell and tissue culture, real time PCR, immunoblot, ELISA, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, gene array analysis, and other molecular approaches including genetic knockdowns. Approaches used in Dr. Kim’s clinical study designs include prospective and retrospective analysis of patient outcomes and clinical biomarkers, as wells controlled clinical trials.

Research in the Raymond Koehler Lab explores cerebrovascular physiology and cerebral ischemic injury caused by stroke and cardiac arrest, using protein analysis, immunohistochemistry and histology. We also study ischemic preconditioning, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and the mechanisms of abnormal cerebrovascular reactivity after ischemia. We 're examining ways to improve tissue oxygenation and seek to better understand the mechanisms that connect an increase in cerebral blood flow to neuronal activity.