Colin Sumners, Ph.D. Professor Phone: (352) 392-4485 Fax: (352) 294-0191 Office: UFBI, room L4-183 E-mail: csumners@phys.med.ufl.edu Publications: Search PubMed

The research in my laboratory involves investigation of the cellular and molecular effects of the peptide hormone angiotensin II within the brain. We are currently involved in studies on the regulation of intracellular pathways, gene expression and transmembrane signaling mediated by angiotensin II receptor subtypes in both neuronal and astroglial cells. These brain receptors for angiotensin II are important physiologically in the control of blood pressure, fluid balance, cell growth/differentiation and possibly apoptosis (programmed cell death). Our investigations provide a basis for understanding altered effects of angiotensin II on neurons and astroglia in pathological situations such as hypertension and brain injury. A variety of techniques, including brain cell culture, neurochemistry, molecular biology and electrophysiology are used for these studies.