Endothelial barrier dysfunction has been associated with severe diseases, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Research in endothelial permeability regulation betters our understanding on disease pathogenesis, and contributes in the development of novel therapies. Our laboratory utilizes in vivo and in vitro experimental models of direct and indirect lung injury, in order to delineate mechanisms modulating endothelial barrier maintenance and enhancement. Our recent observations suggest that unfolded protein response (UPR) activation can counteract lung injury. Moreover, UPR mediates-at least in part-the protective effects of growth hormone releasing hormone antagonists and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors in the inflamed vasculature.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and neuropsychiatric conditions remain major health challenges, with limited effective treatments. My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying drug dependence and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Specifically, our lab investigates the role of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play a critical role in regulating mood, motivation, and perception. Additionally, we are exploring the therapeutic potential of allosteric modulators (AMs), which may have broad implications in addressing SUDs and related neuropsychiatric disorders. By integrating synthetic chemistry, pharmacology, and cell biology, our goal is to design novel interventions for combating addiction and improving mental health outcomes.
Neurological function is controlled by estrogen present in the circulation as well as neuro-estrogens synthesized within the brain. Our laboratory is investigating how rapid aromatase-mediated adjustments in brain tissue neuroestradiol may function as a dynamic regulatory signal that shapes neural control of reproduction and metabolism. We have developed high-sensitivity analytical methods for measurement of estradiol and glycogen in discriminative small-volume neural tissue samples acquired by high neuroanatomical-resolution dissection tools. Our research provides unique verification that neuroestradiol imposes sex-specific control of hypothalamic energy sensor activity, glycogen metabolism and accumulation, and metabolic transmitter signaling.
Given unlimited funding, is there a limit of the complexity of the objects beyond which we cannot freeze-dry or cryopreserve successfully (small molecules, peptide, proteins, nanoparticles, single cell, multiple-cell organisms, organs, and ultimately the human body)?
Our lab is dedicated to advancing the science behind freeze-drying and cryogenic preservation of biologics and cells. We also aim to utilize freeze-drying as a powder engineering technology to create inhalable powders for lung delivery.聽
Dr. El Sayed laboratory is discovering and developing selective cancer growth and relapse preventers for patients and survivors use. Dr. El Sayed is using natural sources to discover active anticancer compounds. Example of active natural products in Dr. El Sayed laboratory is olive oil minor phenolic compounds, which developed into a current commercial product for improved health. Dr. El Sayed is also developing novel microbial fermentation product for prostate cancer recurrence, supported by the National Cancer Institute. Dr. El Sayed group is also developing marine coral, fresh tobacco compounds and cannabidiol for use to control non-treatable advanced prostate cancer stages.
Our research projects focus on how to overcome cancer drug resistance. We investigate in how glycosphingolipids modulate the induced pluripotency of cancer stem cells during cancer chemotherapy and how the mutations of tumor suppressors promote the formation of cancer stem cells. Our goal is to discover and develop effective therapeutic approaches for targeting cancer stem cells that are the causes for tumor progression and the poor responsiveness of cancers to chemotherapy.
Our lab鈥檚 research focuses on pharmaceutical and pharmacological sciences, drug development, drug delivery and nucleic acid therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and other diseases. We regularly use chemical and analytical techniques for developing new delivery approaches or identifying novel molecules, including NMR, HPLC, UV spectrometry, and biological techniques for identifying therapeutic targets, such qPCR, Western Blot, RNA-sequencing, among others. Our lab integrates nanotechnology, imaging science, gene therapy and cancer biology. We provide solutions on drug delivery using modern or more traditional approaches, to improve pharmacokinetics, biodistributions and absorptions, water solubility and efficacy for smaller and bigger molecules.
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common of visceral cancer diagnosed in men. If detected early, PC can be treated effectively. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for advanced PC. Thus, the reliable, non-invasive detection of PC has become very critical. Unfortunately, currently used PSA test is highly unreliable. We have discovered a unique protein secreted by prostate cancer, but not normal, cells. Using this discovery, we have developed a novel, specific blood test that can reliably diagnose prostate cancer in men at an early stage. Our second major aim is to delineate the role of calcitonin-calcitonin receptor system in epigenetics of advanced PC.
Early in my research career I investigated the molecular mechanism involved in mediating opioid drugs modulation of neuroendocrine and reproductive physiology. Currently, I am the Associate Dean of Research in the 网曝门 College of Pharmacy and I have taught pharmacology to Pharmacy students at both Washington State University and the 网曝门 for the past 35 years. During this time my laboratory has been focused on breast cancer research. My interests include examining the relationship of nutrition and cancer, with particular emphasis on understanding the intracellular mechanisms mediating the anticancer effects of tocotrienols, a rare form of vitamin E.
网曝门 College of Pharmacy
Bienville Building
1800 Bienville Dr
Monroe, LA 71201
Monday-Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dr. George Matthaiolampakis
Associate Director, School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences
Director of Graduate Studies and Research
College of Pharmacy
Bienville 380
(318) 342-7930
ulmcopgraduateprog@ulm.edu