University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · PhysiologyO'Brien Lab
Lori L O'Brien · Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Research Focus
Dr. Lori L O'Brien's lab at UNC Chapel Hill focuses on understanding how nerve and blood vessel interactions influence the development of the kidneys. Their research investigates the roles that nerves play in kidney organogenesis and how disruptions in the neuro-vascular relationships can impact nephron formation. The lab utilizes advanced imaging and genetic techniques to explore these complex relationships, with the goal of improving regenerative strategies for kidney tissue.
kidney developmentneuro-vascular interactionsnephronsvascular smooth muscle cellsneurogenesisregenerative medicinecell signalingtranscriptomicsimaging techniques
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of vascular smooth muscle cells in guiding kidney innervation.
AIM 02Determine the specific functions of sympathetic and sensory neurons in nephron differentiation.
AIM 03Explore the molecular pathways involved in neuro-vascular crosstalk during kidney development.
AIM 04Utilize imaging techniques to analyze the development of nephron structures.
AIM 05Identify signaling factors mediating interactions between nerves and the developing kidney.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic ablationsingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)light-sheet microscopyconfocal microscopyimmunohistochemistrycell cultureTranslating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP)data analysisphenotypic characterization
Output against the department
Publications57bottom 9% of dept.258th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.6kbottom 8% of dept.264th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
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