CBMP Faculty
Sunder Sims-Lucas, PhD
Department: Department of Pediatrics (Nephrology) and Vascular Medicine Institute
Email: simslucass@upmc.edu
PubMed: Link
Dept / Lab Webpage: http://www.pimb.pitt.edu/faculty_pages/faculty_names/page76/sims-lucas.html
CBMP groups: Genomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics, Cell Communication, Signaling and Ion Channel Biology
Research Interests
Dr. Sims-Lucas' research program interrogates the role of blood flow, oxygenation and endothelial progenitors in patterning developmental organs with a particular focus on the kidney and lung during development and disease.
Formation of the vasculature is a critical developmental process that requires tightly regulated cellular and molecular processes. The developing kidney is a very vascular organ that receives approximately 20% of the total cardiac output. The peritubular capillaries surround the nephron tubules and play a critical role in reabsorption and electrolyte balance. Little is known about the various origins of the peritubular capillary network and the role of the peritubular capillaries in normal development and also during disease processes. His laboratory identified an endothelial progenitor in the kidney that is critical for kidney development and also limiting postnatal injury. Dr. Sims-Lucas' robust program also interrogates the role of oxygenation and blood flow in patterning the formation of the kidney. His research is funded by an NIH grant as well as grants from the Diabetes Complications Consortium and by the Vascular Medicine Institute.