Research in our Laboratory focuses on understanding the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that contribute to urogenital dysfunction in a range of disease contexts, including diabetes, neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury), urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (e.g., interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome), stress and aging-related changes. Our goal is to deepen the understanding of these complex disorders and identify novel molecular targets that can be translated into novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

Our studies span multiple areas, including:

• Mechanisms of bladder and female sexual dysfunction in metabolic, neurologic, and menopausal conditions
• Organ crosstalk, such as gut–bladder and bladder–genital interactions that contribute to pelvic pain and development of urogenital dysfunction
• Influence of the gut microbiome on urogenital function and pelvic pain
• Diabetic skeletal complications, including osteopenia and impaired bone adaptation

In our laboratory, we use animal and cellular models combined with physiological, behavioral, pharmacological, genetic, molecular, and histological approaches to examine disease processes from multiple angles. Our work is highly collaborative, and we partner closely with basic scientists and clinical colleagues at Montefiore Einstein and other institutions to ensure that our findings have translational relevance.

Our research efforts have been supported by NIH NIDDK R01 grants, American Heart Association, New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board, and Department of Defense CDMRP awards.