Scholar Profiles
Zhao Han
2003 - 2004 University Scholar
Mentor: Harm Knot
College of Medicine
"Usually in my classes, you only catch fragments of an experiment or procedure. I applied to the USP because I wanted an opportunity to experience the bigger picture of research. I hope to gain greater proficiency in biomolecular lab techniques and a better understanding of the methods involved in basic science research."
Zhao is a senior majoring in microbiology, with minors in music performance and chemistry. She is a Florida Academic Scholar, and has been on the Dean’s List in her college and on the President’s Honor Roll. She is a member of the American Medical Student Association and Phi Eta Kappa National Honor Society. Zhao enjoys volunteering at Shands Hospital at UF, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, and Palms Retirement Home.
Research Description:
Quantification of SERCA and Phospholamban Expression in the Smooth and Cardiac Muscles of Aging Hypertensive Rats
Hypertension in the cardiac and smooth muscles
may be caused by the constriction of the cells. One of the components
that may cause vasoconstriction is the reduced inactivation
of the Ca+2 channel (DHPR) caused by depolarization of the cell.
Hyperpolarization results from the release of K+ from the Ca+2
dependent K+ Channel (BK), which is opened by the release of
Ca+2 from the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (Ca2+ Spark). Ca2+ is sequestered
in the SR by SERCA. SERCA is activated by the release of its
inhibitor Phospholamban with PLB phosphorylation.
Recent studies indicate that there is an increase in phospholamban
(PLB) expression and a decrease in SR Ca+2-ATPase (SERCA) expression
in diabetic hearts. These changes in part explain the decrease
in the uptake of the SERCA and the impaired ability of diabetic
hearts to contract. I will be exploring the effects of PLB and
SERCA expression in aging hypertensive rats in order to better
understand and/or provide explanations of vasoconstriction in
the cardiac and smooth muscles.
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