With the explosion in technology for studying health and disease at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels, it is the task of the modem physiologist to integrate that information to understand function at the whole organism level. This integration brings into focus the multiple mechanisms that contribute to the myriad functions of the body in health and disease. The faculty and facilities of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics are well equipped to investigate all components of this multilevel research approach. The department's long-standing expertise in experimental animal models is complemented with cutting-edge genetic, molecular, and cellular methods. Some of the research interests of the faculty include: mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of hypertension associated with obesity, gender differences, pregnancy, fetal programming, and inflammatory diseases; mechanisms of target organ injury (kidneys and heart) in hypertension; neurohormonal mechanisms in blood pressure control; local control of blood flow; mechanisms controlling blood vessel growth; vascular endothelial function and mechanotransduction. Faculty with expertise in control system analyses and mathematical modeling facilitate integration of genetic, molecular, and whole organism research in these different areas. In addition to the usual facilities for modem physiological studies, the department also has specialized core facilities for transgenic research, gene expression profiling, image analysis of intracellular chemical signals and microcirculatory studies, histology and immunohistochemistry labs, central radioimmunoassay and analytical labs, and facilities for conducting long-term studies in chronically instrumented animals. The result is a comprehensive approach to the study of the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular, renal, and neuroendocrine systems in normal physiology and in diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, obesity and diabetes, atherosclerosis, preeclampsia, and chronic renal failure. A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available to superior applicants.

For additional information on application procedures, financial aid and faculty, please contact:

Director, Graduate Program in Physiology and Biophysics
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
The University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505
Phone: (601) 984-1820 Fax: (601) 984-1817

Please visit our website:  http://physiology.umc.edu/