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Physiology

David Ardell David Ardell
Associate Professor, Molecular & Cell Biology

Computational biology of gene expression systems, including:

  • Structure, function, evolution and coevolution with genomes
  • Functional and evolutionary bioinformatics of RNA and proteins
  • Evolutionary and comparative genomics
 

 

dardell@ucmerced.edu
(209) 228-2953
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Nestor Oviedo Nestor Oviedo
Professor, Molecular & Cell Biology
  • Tissue regeneration
  • Stem cells
  • Cancer
  • Planarian biology
noviedo2@ucmerced.edu
(209) 228-4541
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Fred Wolf Fred Wolf
Associate Professor, Molecular & Cell Biology

The Wolf lab studies the genetic and neural circuit mechanisms for coding simple behaviors, including motivated seeking and plasticity driven by addictive drugs. We also study the regulation of DNA damage repair.

Publications:

Mef2 induction of the immediate early gene Hr38/Nr4a is terminated by Sirt1 to promote ethanol tolerance. Adhikari P, Orozco D, Randhawa H, Wolf FW. Genes Brain Behav. 2019 Mar;18(3):e12486. doi: 10.1111/gbb.12486. Epub 2018 May 28.

Satiation state-dependent dopaminergic control of foraging in Drosophila. Landayan D, Feldman DS, Wolf FW. Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 10;8(1):5777. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-24217-1.

Perineurial Barrier Glia Physically Respond to Alcohol in an Akap200-Dependent Manner to Promote Tolerance. Parkhurst SJ, Adhikari P, Navarrete JS, Legendre A, Manansala M, Wolf FW. Cell Rep. 2018 Feb 13;22(7):1647-1656. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.049.

fwolf@ucmerced.edu
(415) 370-1132
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Rudy M. Ortiz Rudy M. Ortiz
Professor, Molecular & Cell Biology

Professor Ortiz's research focuses on the regulation of kidney function and metabolism in a variety of animal models, including seals and dolphins, with the intent that the data will have translative value to clinical medicine. These studies are conducted in collaboration with colleagues at:

  • Sonoma State University
  • University of Alaska, Fairbanks
  • University of California, Santa Cruz

His lab -  in conjunction with collaborators at Kagawa Medical University, SUNY Buffalo Medical School, and Tulane University HSC -  investigate:

  • Role of aldosterone plays in exacerbating high blood pressure
  • Effects of aldosterone antagonism and hypercholesterolemia on renal sodium regulation

Professor Ortiz is also pursuing studies that address the link between diabetes and obesity with hypertension.
From an evolutionary perspective, he is interested in the physiological mechanisms marine-adapted vertebrates use to regulate water and electrolytes during a variety of altered environmental conditions, such as prolonged food deprivation or extended fresh water exposure.

rortiz@ucmerced.edu
(209) 228-2964
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