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
Research Affinity Group in the Department or Affiliated Centers
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, 5th floor, room 5023
Contact: Thurl Harris (teh3c@virginia.edu)
ENDOCRINE INVESTIGATORS
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.