Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division

Dr. Carattino, Associate Professor of Medicine and Cell biology, completed his degree in Biochemistry and a PhD in physiology at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. He conducted his Post-Doctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas R. Kleyman at the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied the regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by mechanical forces and biological cues. His studies revealed that ENaC activity requires proteolytic cleavage, and that this regulatory mechanism plays an important role in sodium handling in normal and disease states. As an independent investigator, he has conducted a series of structure-function studies aimed to understand the mechanisms of gating and permeation of the acid-sensing ion channels and to identify potential targets in these proteins that can be used to develop inhibitors. His research program has extended to the field of urology where he has conducted groundbreaking work aimed to understand the role of the umbrella cell tight junctions during the micturition cycle and in disease states, bladder sensory signaling, and urothelial mechanotransduction.