Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the field of Urology through extensive research spanning several areas of interest. Our primary objective is to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to urogenital pathologies. By doing so, we aim to identify innovative and clinically applicable strategies for treating these conditions.

To achieve our goals, we employ state-of-the-art investigative techniques and have developed extensive expertise in utilizing 'omic' technologies to unravel the underlying mechanisms of urogenital diseases. We have received international recognition for conducting urogenital physiologic studies using small rodent animal models. For instance, our lab is adept at determining bladder function through cystometry, and is renowned for its pioneering use of animal models to scientifically document erectile function using cavernosometry.

Our research approach adopts a highly interdisciplinary perspective, and encompasses both benign and oncologic urogenital diseases. We have fostered successful collaborations with research groups from diverse disciplines that have brought fresh insights to the field of Urology. As a result, we have identified several compelling areas of research interest, including: i) Investigating mechanisms to facilitate cavernous/peripheral nerve regeneration as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. ii) Exploring the utilization of nanoparticles as a dermal delivery system for various agents used in the treatment of urogenital diseases. iii) Elucidating the role of the MaxiK channel expressed in the urothelium in regulating bladder activity. iv) Uncovering the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of priapism associated with sickle cell disease. v) Examining the influence of the microbiome on the development of kidney stone disease. vi) Investigating the role of opiorphin in sperm motility. vii) Understanding the mechanism behind hyperglycemic memory in the diabetic bladder. viii) Examining the role and potential mechanism of opiorphin in the development of prostate cancer, which represents our most recent research focus.

By actively pursuing these diverse research interests, we aim to contribute significantly to the field of Urology and make tangible advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of urogenital pathologies.

Recent Publications (2020-)

1) Topically delivered nitric oxide acts synergistically with an orally administered PDE5 inhibitor in eliciting an erectile response in a rat model of radical prostatectomy.Tar MT, Friedman JM, Draganski A, Davies KP. Int J Impot Res. 2022 Sep;34(6):573-580. doi: 10.1038/s41443-021-00451-6. Epub 2021 May 20.PMID: 34017115 

2) Nanotechnology as a tool to advance research and treatment of non-oncologic urogenital diseases. Loloi J, Babar M, Davies KP, Suadicani SO.Ther Adv Urol. 2022 Jul 26;14:17562872221109023. doi: 10.1177/17562872221109023. eCollection 2022 Jan-Dec. PMID: 35924206

3) PROL1 is essential for xenograft tumor development in mice injected with the human prostate cancer cell-line, LNCaP, and modulates cell migration and invasion. Mukherjee A, Park A, Davies KP. J Mens Health. 2022 Feb;18(2):044. doi: 10.31083/jomh.2021.131. Epub 2021 Oct 14. PMID: 35547856 

4) Erectile dysfunction resulting from pelvic surgery is associated with changes in cavernosal gene expression indicative of cavernous nerve injury. Villegas G, Tar MT, Davies KP. Andrologia. 2022 Feb;54(1):e14247. doi: 10.1111/and.14247. Epub 2021 Sep 12. PMID: 34514620

5) Gene Therapy for Overactive Bladder: A Review of BK-Channel α-Subunit Gene Transfer. Andersson KE, Christ GJ, Davies KP, Rovner ES, Melman A. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2021 Jun 4;17:589-599. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S291798. eCollection 2021. PMID: 34113116

6) Role of opiorphin genes in prostate cancer growth and progression. Mukherjee A, Park A, Wang L, Davies KP. Future Oncol. 2021 Jun;17(17):2209-2223. doi: 10.2217/fon-2020-1299. Epub 2021 Feb 17. PMID: 33593085

7) Fidgetin-like 2 negatively regulates axonal growth and can be targeted to promote functional nerve regeneration. Baker L, Tar M, Kramer AH, Villegas GA, Charafeddine RA, Vafaeva O, Nacharaju P, Friedman J, Davies KP, Sharp DJ. JCI Insight. 2021 May 10;6(9):e138484. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.138484. PMID: 33872220

8) Hyperglycemic memory in the rat bladder detrusor is associated with a persistent hypomethylated state.Wang Y, Tar MT, Davies KP. Physiol Rep. 2020 Nov;8(22):e14614. doi: 10.14814/phy2.14614. PMID: 33200530 

9) NO-Releasing Nanoparticles Ameliorate Detrusor Overactivity in Transgenic Sickle Cell Mice via Restored NO/ROCK Signaling. Karakus S, Musicki B, Navati MS, Friedman JM, Davies KP, Burnett AL.J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2020 May;373(2):214-219. doi: 10.1124/jpet.119.264697. Epub 2020 Mar 6. PMID: 32144123