Peter G. Smith, Ph.D.

Tissues throughout the body are innervated by peripheral nerves, which regulate organ function and provide sensory information to the brain. Target innervation is affected by hormones and disease, which can influence reproductive function, wound healing, pain sensation and cardiovascular performance. We study the relationships among peripheral autonomic and sensory nerves, trophic proteins, and hormones in health and disease. To understand mechanisms and implications of peripheral nervous system plasticity, we use a variety of approaches including high-throughput gene expression, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and behavioral testing. These studies have direct implications for neurodegenerative diseases, female pain syndromes, and cardiovascular disease.