Guiting Lin, MD, PhD

Research Interests

Cellular signaling pathway related to cavernous nerve regeneration promoted by BDNF

The effect of BDNF on the regeneration of nitric oxide synthesis (NOS) penile nerves and the neurons in the pelvic ganglia after the cavernous nerve transection in rats was studied in our Lab. Several models previously used have been re-established, including rats, pelvic ganglia Matrigel culture system, and smooth muscle cells. By using these models, the genes and cellular signal transduction related to growth factors, steroid receptors, cytokines, protein kinases, and phosphodiesterases were investigated. The results show that the BDNF significantly enhanced the regeneration of NOS-containing fibers in the dorsal and intracavernosal nerves. It has also been found that BDNF promotes penile nerve regeneration through STAT, MAPK and PKC cellular signaling pathways in the ganglion.

Application of rat oligo microarray to screen differential gene related to diseases

The DNA chip (cDNA Microarray) is a single stand DNA that is synthesized on special glass plates through a chemical-protecting group. This technique has been employed in our laboratory at UCSF to study the differential genes related to female incontinence and impotence. A system of rat oligo microarray on the polylysine coated glass chip was set-up in our laboratory and 520 rat oligo chips have been printed (version 3.0). Those chip were used to screen the related genes to incontinence in the rat model.

Molecular Mechanism of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a large social and economic problem in the U.S. In particular, female incontinence is estimated to afflict approximately 20 million American women. Currently we have constructed the animal model developed by balloon dilation after delivery and treated the model with estrogen. Through this animal model the lower urinary tract function and related genes were studied. The Rho/ ROCK and PLC signaling pathways in association with bladder and urethra dysfunction were also investigated.

Experimental Adipose Stem Cell Therapy for Stress Incontinence

The rat adipose stem cell (RADC) has been studied and applied to treat stress incontinence in a rat model. The primary data is encouraging; the RADC can differentiate to smooth muscle cell, urothelium, and neuron in vivo. Also, the condition of incontinence has been improved by the RADC.

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