Tien T. Nguyen, Ph.D. Research Interests

In the 1980s, Dr. Nguyen discovered aldosterone secretion inhibitory factor (ASIF), a natriuretic peptide that binds to the choroid plexus. He is testing the hypothesis that ASIF affects CSF production and brain homeostasis.

Dr. Nguyen has found three types of ASIF receptors in the choroid plexus. To pinpoint their location and ascertain their function, he is studying an immortalized line of rat choroid plexus cells that are oriented as they are in vivo. He is comparing the number of ASIF receptors, as well as the expression of proteins, in rats with and without hydrocephalus.

Looking to extend this research to humans, Dr. Nguyen plans to establish the first line of human choroid plexus cells. He hopes to identify the mechanisms of CSF production in humans and find a pharmacological agent to control CSF levels.