Scientist Profile Directory

My research interests focus on understanding the cellular factors that control blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability under both normal and pathophysiological conditions. Utilizing both cell culture and whole animal models, my laboratory examines various transport processes for moving drugs and solutes into and out of the brain. His research program includes examination of BBB changes during brain tumour development and identification of methods for increasing the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to more effectively treat brain tumours; identification and characterization of drug efflux transport proteins in the blood-brain barrier and the molecular mechanisms influencing their activity and expression; and the design and development of nanoparticle drug delivery platforms for treating CNS diseases. My laboratory has also examined inflammatory processes including cytokine and lipid mediators of inflammation and their impact on brain endothelial response and has recently expanded into inflammatory cascades in other organ/tissues including chondrocytes (joint related inflammation) and microglia/macrophage (CNS and systemic inflammation).