Research

Scientific investigators in our division actively engage in high-impact basic and clinical research programs, primarily focused on diabetes/metabolism, cardiovascular endocrinology, and reproductive endocrinology.

Diabetes and metabolism research (Drs. Brown, Farhi, Ferris, Horton, Keller, Liu, and Love):

• Insulin action on the vascular system and relationships to insulin’s metabolic actions
• Closed-loop insulin-delivery technologies (artificial pancreas) for type 1 diabetes
• Regulation of pancreatic hormone secretion, including pancreatic alpha cell function
• Mechanisms of insulin signaling and insulin resistance
• Mechanisms by which cortisol plays a role in NAFLD/NASH
• Mechanisms of cognitive decline associated with diabetes
• Development of an intensive self-management program for patients with diabetes mellitus in rural, underserved areas

Cardiovascular endocrinology research (Drs. Culver, Horton, Liu, Love, and Siragy):

• Hormonal control of blood pressure and hypertension
• Mechanisms underlying the impact of obesity on hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes
• Biology and pathophysiology of angiotensin subtype receptors in the cardiovascular system
• Insulin action on the vascular system and relationships to the vascular complications of diabetes

Reproductive endocrinology research (Drs. Burt-Solorzano, Haisenleder):

• Causes of abnormal GnRH pulses and abnormal gonadotropin secretion in adolescent and adult polycystic ovary syndrome
• Mechanisms underlying peripubertal obesity-associated hyperandrogenemia
• Pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome in women of later reproductive age
• Aromatase and the role of estrogen in breast cancer

Pharmacology
Interest Group: Metabolism Interest Group (MIG)
Meetings: monthly, every second Wednesday of the month, 4:00 -5:00 PM
Location: Pharmacology Conference Room in Pinn Hall, 5^th floor, room 5023
Contact: Thurl Harris (teh3c@virginia.edu)

Our clinical faculty members have a wide range of clinical and research interests, and the division has active research programs with state-of-the-art facilities. Please explore the links below to discover the research in some of our Endocrine labs.