Research

Our laboratory is interested in information flow in the immune system. We specifically focus on the signal transduction pathways that control inflammatory responses in response to immunological inputs, physical stimuli, exogenous toxins and metabolic disruption.

Current focus areas:

Calcium signalling in mast cells.

Mast cells are key drivers of inflammatory responses. We are studying calcium-dependent pathways of mast cell activation in response to both immunological activation and novel toxins derived from the venoms of the cnidarian Carybdea alata. Our work encompasses both the study of calcium entry mechanisms (such as TRP family cation channels) and the intracellular targets of their activity such as the calcium dependent transcription factors family of NFATs. In these projects we are gaining new understanding of the decision making involved in initiating inflammation, and insights into potential therapeutic targets for the promotion and inhibition of inflammatory responses.

Pro-inflammatory pathways in adipocytes.

A spectrum of metabolic disorders such as anorexia/cachexia and obesity, are characterized by low-level systemic inflammation. Elevated circulating levels of TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-4, are associated with these strikingly different physiological states. We are interested in elucidating the extent to which this inflammation is governed by classical pro-inflammatory cells, such as mast cells, and the extent to which adipocytes should be considered as a pro-inflammatory component of the immune system. We are studying activation mechanisms that drive pro-inflammatory responses in adipocytes. In these projects we are uncovering the role played by the immune system in metabolic disorders.

Opportunities.

Please contact Dr Turner (hturner@chaminade.edu) for the availability of positions for undergraduate and graduate students (Dr Turner is on the graduate faculty of the programs in Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Physiology and Food Sciences/Human Nutrition at the University of Hawaii, and can mentor students through any of these programs (www.hawaii.edu/graduate) and (http://jabsom.hawaii.edu/jabsom/)). Post-doctoral opportunities may also be available.