Dr. Mary Ann Smith
Regular Member
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
School of Public Health
Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences
Research Interests:
- Nephrotoxicity
- Oxidative stress
- Renal cell biology
- Mesangial cells
- Tubular epithelial cells
- Cell proliferation
The long range objective of my research is to understand the mechanisms of pathogenic and xenobiotic-induced renal injury and the subsequent repair processes that follow injury. We use whole animals as well as primary cultures and cell lines to examine the site-specific responses of renal cells to damage. Interactions of toxicants with membrane phospholipids, mitochondrial function and renal transport systems are examined by using a variety of in vitro techniques. Hormone sensitive cyclic AMP responses in distal tubular cells, organic ion transport in proximal tubular cells and prostaglandin synthesis in glomerular mesangial cells are examples of cell processes that are examined following renal exposure to toxicants.
A tutorial in my laboratory would provide experience in primary tissue culture, in vivo and in vitro toxicity determinations, in vivo and in vitro methods for assessing renal function and HPLC analysis of various cellular constituents.
Program Affiliation:
Contact Information
Phone: 713.500.9236
Email: Mary.Ann.Smith@uth.tmc.edu
Office: SPH RAS W-214
Title: Assistant Professor
Education:
Ph.D. - The University of Texas at Austin - 1984
