Luis S. Haro, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology
Office: SCB 4.02.30
Phone: (210) 458-5484
Luis.Haro@utsa.edu
Research Interests
Our research program has centered on the identification, isolation and characterization of new human pituitary and placental hormones (growth hormones / cytokines / chemokines) and delineation of their biological roles in normal physiology (metabolism, growth, differentiation, aging, immunology, brain function) and abnormal physiology (cancer, diabetes, HIV infection). The hormones studied include synthetic mutants (site-directed mutants, deletion mutants), naturally occurring hormones and post-translational or alternatively spliced hormones. After isolation of these hormones, their structures are determined and their biopotencies were tested in a variety of in vitro (cell culture and organ explant culture) and in vivo bioassays that measure the immunologic, lactogenic, metabolic, physiologic, and anatomic affects associated with these hormones. These types of studies help us understand the structure-function relationships of these hormones. In order to carry out physiological investigations of these hormones, we have developed novel protein separation methodologies, radioimmunoassays, radioreceptorassays and immunological techniques used for their isolation, detection and quantification in tissues and in biological fluids. The study of these hormones and their receptors help us understand how they regulate cell and organ function in normal and abnormal physiology.
Recent Publications
Gonzalez L, Bustamante JJ, Barea-Rodriguez EJ, Martinez AO, Haro LS. 2-D native-PAGE/SDS-PAGE visualization of an oligomer's subunits: application to the analysis of IgG. Electrophoresis. 2006 May;27(10):2016-23.
Bustamante JJ, Garcia M, Gonzalez L, Garcia J, Flores R, Aguilar RM, Trevino A, Benavides L, Martinez AO, Haro LS. Separation of proteins with a molecular mass difference of 2 kDa utilizing preparative double-inverted gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions: application to the isolation of 24 kDa human growth hormone. Electrophoresis. 2005 Dec;26(23):4389-95.
Grigorian AL, Bustamante JJ, Hernandez P, Martinez AO, Haro LS. Extraordinarily stable disulfide-linked homodimer of human growth hormone. Protein Sci. 2005 Apr;14(4):902-13.
Pizarro JM, Haro LS, Barea-Rodriguez EJ. Learning associated increase in heat shock cognate 70 mRNA and protein expression. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2003 Mar;79(2):142-51.