Research

Regulation of epithelial transport mechanisms by Cullin-4A in alpha-1 antitrypsin transgenic mice

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​(Under the supervision of Abdel A. Alli, PhD & MPH at the University of Florida, Dept. of Medicine)

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Research focus: As an undergraduate researcher, my research project aims to delve into the multifaceted role of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), a liver-produced protease inhibitor known for its function in safeguarding tissues from proteolytic damage and modulating inflammatory responses. My study investigates the interplay of AAT with the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS), particularly focusing on the endothelial sodium channel (ENaC) – a critical regulator of sodium balance and blood pressure.​

My goals are to explore the regulation of the interaction between MARCKS (Myristoylated Alanine-Rich C Kinase Substrate) and ENaC, along with their expression and activity at the apical plasma membrane in AAT KO and wildtype mice. I also plan on investigating whether differentially expressed proteins between AAT KO and wildtype groups play a role in blood pressure regulation independent of the ENaC-MARCKS axis. Along with this, I plan on determining the effect of Cullin-4A dysregulation on ENaC expression and function.

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