Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program

CBMP Faculty

Ora A. Weisz, Ph.D.

Image - Ora A. Weisz
Title: Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Renal-Electrolytic Division, and of Cell Biology and Physiology
Vice Chair of Faculty Development, Department of Medicine
Department: Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte
Email: weisz@pitt.edu
PubMed: Link
Dept / Lab Webpage: https://weiszlab.pitt.edu


CBMP groups: Genomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics, DNA Damage/Repair, Cell-Cycle Control and Gene Expression, Cancer, Membrane Traffic of Proteins and Lipids, Cell Communication, Signaling and Ion Channel Biology

Research Interests

We use imaging, biochemical, genomic, and modeling approaches to study the regulation of apical membrane traffic in the kidney proximal tubule. Robust apical endocytosis is an essential function of proximal tubule cells and defects in this pathway cause tubular proteinuria that can lead to end stage kidney disease. We are working to identify the compartments and machinery that mediate apical endocytosis in these highly specialized cells, to understand how this pathway is regulated by physiologic stimuli including mechanosensitive cues, and to determine the molecular basis of genetic disorders and other diseases that result in tubular proteinuria.