Bissler Lab

  • Current Projects

    Basic Science

    Our basic science research focuses on understanding the genetic and cell biology mechanisms of disease. This broad focus includes studies aimed at understanding the mechanism of mutation and its subsequent biology; we seek to reveal these mechanisms all the way down to the subcellular level.

    We use the results from our basic science experiments to develop therapeutic approaches, which we then test in cell- and animal-based models. When these approaches show promise, we develop them into clinical trials.

    Clinical Research

    John Bissler attends the Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic in Cincinnati, one of the largest TS clinics in the world, where he cares for the renal component of this disease process. His current clinical research investigates the use of mTORC1 inhibitors to reduce the tumor and cystic burden in tuberous sclerosis complex.  Understanding the dosing, frequency and duration of mTORC1 inhibition may reveal ways to optimize therapy while reducing side effects.

    His second clinical research project revolves around the computerization of hemodialysis and hemofiltration. This research has led to several patents, which create a revenue stream that funds further research in our lab.

     

 
  • Renal TSC2-mutant and -rescued human angiomyolipoma cells stained with Alexa 594-conjugated phalloidin to label actin filaments (red) and DAPI-stained nuclei (blue).

    click to enlarge

    Renal TSC2-mutant and -rescued human angiomyolipoma cells stained with Alexa 594-conjugated phalloidin to label actin filaments (red) and DAPI-stained nuclei (blue).

    Renal TSC2-mutant and -rescued human angiomyolipoma cells stained with Alexa 594-conjugated phalloidin to label actin filaments (red) and DAPI-stained nuclei (blue).

  • Renal TSC2-mutant and -rescued human angiomyolipoma cells stained with Alexa 594-conjugated phalloidin to label actin filaments (red) and DAPI-stained nuclei (blue).

    click to enlarge

    Renal TSC2-mutant and -rescued human angiomyolipoma cells stained with Alexa 594-conjugated phalloidin to label actin filaments (red) and DAPI-stained nuclei (blue).

    Renal TSC2-mutant and -rescued human angiomyolipoma cells stained with Alexa 594-conjugated phalloidin to label actin filaments (red) and DAPI-stained nuclei (blue).

  • Human proximal tubule cells in culture for seven days and stained with anti-acetylated alpha-tubulin, which labels primary cilia (green), and DAPI, which labels nuclei.

    click to enlarge

    Human proximal tubule cells in culture for seven days and stained with anti-acetylated alpha-tubulin, which labels primary cilia (green), and DAPI, which labels nuclei.

    Cilia

    Human proximal tubule cells in culture for seven days and stained with anti-acetylated alpha-tubulin, which labels primary cilia (green), and DAPI, which labels nuclei.