Paul W. Hruz, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
- Phone: 314-286-2797
- Email: hruz_p@wustl.edu
Research Interest
Complications
Metabolic Regulation and Obesity
Signal Transduction/Hormone Action
Islet Biology and Immunology
Category(ies) of Research
Basic
Translational
Descriptor of Research
Our research efforts are directed toward understanding facilitative glucose transport as it relates to normal and disordered glucose homeostasis. A primary effort in our laboratory is the determination of structure/function relationships within the facilitative glucose transport proteins (GLUTs). We are using state of the art chemical and biophysical approaches to the determination of tertiary and quaternary structures of the human erythrocyte glucose transporter GLUT1 and the insulin responsive glucose transporter GLUT4. In addition, we are also investigating the in vitro and in vivo effects of HIV protease inhibitors (Pis) on GLUT function. The goal of this research is to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead HIV infected patients receiving Pis to develop insulin resistance. HIV Protease Inhibitors are also being used to investigate the functional role of changes in glucose transport in the progression of heart failure.