Christopher Banek

Assistant Professor, Physiology

Medical Research Building, 425

My laboratory focus is dedicated to investigating the role of peripheral neural control of cardiovascular and kidney health and disease. Our current research projects are focused on studying the role of peripheral sensory nerves in the development and maintenance of (a) hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure) and (b) polycystic kidney disease. Sensory nerves in the kidney appear to also contribute to both the development and maintenance of several models of experimental cardiovascular and kidney disease through a gradual, pathological elevation in renal afferent nerve activity. It is unclear what is driving this change in activity, as well as the physiological responses to both acute and chronic sensory nerve activation. We employ chronic telemetry-based approaches as well as acute electrophysiological preparations to evaluate the changes in nerve activity and the corresponding cardiovascular and renal responses. Additionally, we take a molecular approach to study the particular proteins and non-peptide signals that may be the primary drivers of sensory nerve activation.

https://physiology.arizona.edu/lab-page/banek-lab

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=banek%20ct

Research Interest

Hypertension; Salt-sensitive Hypertension; Renal denervation; Autonomic Nervous System; Sensory Nerves; Polycystic Kidney Disease; Chronic Kidney Disease; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy; Vascular Function

Offering Research Opportunities

Yes

Prerequisite Courses

None

Majors Considered

Physiology, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Nutritional Sciences

Types of Opportunities

Paid

Volunteer

For credit

Description of Opportunity

No description given