Functional Urology Research Laboratory
The Functional Urology Research Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional and morphological changes in the bladder during lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).
Our comprehensive transcriptome sequencing, the first of its kind, of human bladder biopsy samples from patients with benign prostatic obstruction revealed activation of immune response and proliferative signalling pathways, and suggested an increasing involvement of regulatory small non-coding miRNAs in the control of bladder function.
Early identification of structural changes in the bladder during LUTD can optimize the timing of treatment. We are in possession of a unique collection of human biopsy samples from patients with well-characterized bladder functional phenotypes. The progression of LUTD in the mouse models of pBOO, SCI, and MS can be monitored longitudinally, in different phases of the disease characterized by distinct functional phenotypes. Our approach relies on generation and analysis of big gene expression data from both animal and human studies to reveal the triggers of LUTD.
