Pharmacology researchers earn $3.4 million in grants
By: Tom Moore | 2015.08.05 | 03:11 pm
Researchers in the University of Iowa Department of Pharmacology announced Aug. 5 they have received a pair of research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) totaling $3.4 million.
Matthew Potthoff, PhD, an assistant professor of pharmacology, received a five-year, $1.7 million grant. The goal of his research is to determine how a particular growth factor called FGF21 lowers the level of sugar in the blood. FGF21 could eventually be used to treat obesity and diabetes.
Curt D. Sigmund, PhD, professor and department executive officer of pharmacology, has been awarded a four-year, $1.7 million grant. Sigmund’s goal is to determine how Cullin-3, a gene that causes human hypertension when mutated, regulates vascular function, and controls blood pressure. Sigmund’s research team will also work to identify novel drug targets of the Cullin-3 pathway, which may protect the hearts of people with high blood pressure.
Contacts:
Tom Moore, UI spokesperson, 319-356-3945
Curt Sigmund, Pharmacology, 319-335-7604
Matthew Potthoff, Pharmacology, 319-384-4438