Patrick Osei-Owusu, PhD, FAHA

Dr. Osei-Owusu has built an extensive network of collaborators, research associates, and trainees through his expertise in cardiovascular and renal physiology, and cell signaling regulation. G Protein Signaling Regulation in Health and Disease The Osei-Owusu Lab focuses on understanding how cell signaling mechanisms integrate and regulate the physiological and pathophysiological effects of hormones, peptides, neurotransmitters, and mechanical stimuli in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Specifically, the lab studies the regulation of signaling via heterotrimeric G proteins, which are primarily activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and tightly controlled by GTPase activating proteins, including regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins.

Abnormal GPCR signaling is implicated in a range of human diseases and disorders, including depression, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. Notably, more than half of all pharmacological agents for human diseases target GPCRs to exert their therapeutic effects. Understanding how GPCR signaling is regulated in health and disease is crucial for advancing knowledge of normal physiology and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and renal diseases. This research is vital for improving health education, identifying novel drug targets, and developing new or improved treatment regimens. The Osei-Owusu Lab and its collaborators pursue several translationally oriented projects, including studies on pregnancy-related complications, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and the cardiovascular and renal consequences of spinal cord injury. The lab employs pharmacology and integrative physiology approaches, utilizing systems of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and genetically engineered animals that recapitulate human diseases. These tools allow the lab to focus on whole-body function as it relates to human health and disease.