Department of Medicine
Faculty Profiles by Division

Department of Medicine

Faculty Profiles

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photo Lori Birder, PhD

Renal-Electrolyte

Professor of Medicine (Renal - Electrolyte Division)

Email: lbirder@pitt.edu

Phone: 412-383-7368

Contact
Office: 3550 Terrace Street
A1217 Scaife Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
 
Phone: 412-383-7368
Fax: 412-383-7197
E-mail: lbirder@pitt.edu
Administrative Assistant:
Maria Delesio
Address: 3500 Terrace St
S974 Scaife Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Email: mcd112@pitt.edu
Phone: 412-383-9753
Education and Training
Education
B.S. Chemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA., 1982
Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA., 1992
NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Research Interest
Dr. Birder’s laboratory is interested in understanding the complexities of urinary bladder epithelial (urothelial) cell function and urothelial cell-neuronal interactions. Dr. Birder’s investigations have revealed that the urothelium, a stratified epithelial layer that lines the bladder lumen, has the capacity to send signals to neighboring cells via the release of chemical mediators. This arrangement represents a departure from the conventional view of the urothelium as a simple barrier. She is addressing how pathology impacts mechanisms of urothelial communication, which may provide important insight into targets for new therapies for the clinical management of lower urinary tract disorders.
Publications
For my complete bibliography, Click Here.
Sponsored Research/Activities
Title: Role of Purine Dysregulation in the Underactive Bladder
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Agency: National Institute of Aging
Grant Number: R56
Start Year: 2019
End Year: 2020
Title: Contribution of Stress Induced Autonomic and Urothelial Dysregulation to IC/BPS
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Agency: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, & Kidney Disease
Grant Number: R01 DK115476
Start Year: 2018
End Year: 2023
Title: Bladder Mucosal Dysfunction During Aging
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Funding Agency: National Institute of Aging
Grant Number: R01 AG056944
Start Year: 2018
End Year: 2023
Title: PDE5 Inhibition of Afferents and Interstitial Cells in Overactive Mouse Bladders
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding Agency: National Institute of Health
Grant Number: R01 R01DK098361
Start Year: 2020
End Year: 2025
Title: PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF RHODOSPIN METABOLISM AND SIGNALING
Role: Co-Investigator
Start Year: 2020
End Year: 2021
Title: University of Pittsburgh O'Brien Cooperative Research Center Program-Project 1
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding Agency: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, & Kidney Disease
Grant Number: U54 DK112079
Start Year: 2016
End Year: 2021
Title: PDE5 Inhibition of Afferents and Interstitial Cells in Overactive Mouse Bladders
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding Agency: National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, & Kidney Disease
Grant Number: R01 DK098361
Start Year: 2014
End Year: 2019
Notable Achievements
APS Lazaro J Mandel Young Investigator Award in Epithelial Biology, 2003
MERIT Award NIH/NIDDK, 2007
Plenary Speaker GlaxoSmithKline Urology Therapy Area Review, 2007
External advisor for INComb and TRUST European Research Networks, 2010-13
Adjunct Professorship University of Antwerp (Belgium), 2013-14
Chair Basic Science Program-Society for Urology and Female Urodynamics (SUFU), 2013-17
Co-Chair Scientific Committee International Continence Society, 2016-18
Chair Neural Control Committee, 6th International Consultation on Incontinence, 2016
Co-Editor in Chief, Bladder Journal, 2014-present