Dr. Pinto's research program has three major thematic goals:
1) To understand the effect of aging on sinonasal and sensory disorders
2) To determine how genetics, the environment, and social context (and their interaction) modulate susceptibility to these conditions
3) To use this information to develop and test novel treatments for these and other common conditions of the ear, nose, and throat
He utilizes tools from the fields of demography, genetic epidemiology, genomics, public health and sociology to accomplish these goals. Dr. Pinto's research is funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
Research Projects:
Epidemiology of Presbyosmia (Age-Related Olfactory Decline)
We are exploiting data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) (led by Linda Waite in Sociology), to study the demographic and other non-genetic factors that are associated with olfactory decline in aging. We have identified race as a key factor that is independently associated with olfactory function and demonstrated that anosmia predicts five year all cause mortality in US adults, providing some the first nationally representative data on this condition. We are also examining the rich array of health and social measures available in NSHAP, including state of the art biomeasures to determine underlying biological mechanisms and environmental determinants. Additional members of the Olfactory Research Group (the ORG) include Martha McClintock in Psychology and William Dale in Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, along with statisticians Kristin Wroblewski and Philip Schumm in Public Health Studies.
Genetics of Presbyosmia
We are employing genome wide association studies in a founder population to identify genetic variation that underlies age-related olfactory loss using quantitative trait loci mapping in collaboration with Carole Ober in Human Genetics. We published the first successful linkage study for an olfactory trait in humans and are pursuing other collaborations (David Bennett, Rush University) to identify genetic contributions to this important disorder.
Genetics of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
We are performing state of the art genetic, epigenetic, and genomic studies of CRS as part of the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Integrated Studies Program, a U19 award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in collaboration with Northwestern University (Robert Schleimer) and Johns Hopkins University/Geisinger Health System (Brian Schwartz). The project at The University of Chicago, in partnership with Carole Ober, focuses on genetic variation in pathogen response. Our project is the only National Institutes of Health-funded project on the genetics of this disorder.
The Upper Airway Microbiome
We have shown that the microbial ecology in the middle meatus of the sinuses is altered in allergic subjects, potentially predisposing to disease. We have several ongoing investigations into how the sinonasal microbiome predicts physiological changes in both the upper and lower airway, as well as factors that affect its composition and function. Collaborating on these projects are Robert Naclerio and Fuad Baroody in OHNS, along with Carole Ober and Yoav Gilad in Human Genetics.
Rhinology Clinical Trials and Translational Research
The Nasal Physiology Laboratory, a joint endeavor with Robert Naclerio and Fuad Baroody, runs ongoing clinical trials and translational studies of conditions such as allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, and other common conditions. Call 773-702-5889 for details on our current projects.
University of Chicago
IL
Research Fellowship - Section of OHNS, Department of Human Genetics, Section of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine
University of Chicago
IL
Residency - Section of OHNS
University of Chicago
IL
Internship - Department of Surgery
Stanford University School of Medicine
CA
MD
High Pesticide Exposure Events and Self-Reported and Measured Olfactory Dysfunction.
High Pesticide Exposure Events and Self-Reported and Measured Olfactory Dysfunction. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 Sep 10.
PMID: 42720923
Surgeon Characteristics Associated With Average CPT® 31237 Utilization per Medicare Beneficiary.
Surgeon Characteristics Associated With Average CPT® 31237 Utilization per Medicare Beneficiary. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2026 Aug 11; 19458924261478352.
PMID: 42578887
Response to: Comment on "Association of Lead in Drinking Water With Head and Neck Cancer in the United States".
Response to: Comment on "Association of Lead in Drinking Water With Head and Neck Cancer in the United States". Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 Aug 07.
PMID: 42565738
Comprehensive multi-omic dissection and AI-prioritized target identification in inverted papilloma-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.
Comprehensive multi-omic dissection and AI-prioritized target identification in inverted papilloma-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol. 2026 Jul 10.
PMID: 42432132
The Role, Evaluation, and Effects of Comorbidities in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.
The Role, Evaluation, and Effects of Comorbidities in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2026 Jul 02.
PMID: 42386153
Hearing/vestibular problems, racial differences, and associations with physical function impairment among breast cancer survivors.
Hearing/vestibular problems, racial differences, and associations with physical function impairment among breast cancer survivors. JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2026 May 09; 10(3).
PMID: 42054586
Dysfunction in Olfactory Identification and Physical Function Decline in Older Adults.
Dysfunction in Olfactory Identification and Physical Function Decline in Older Adults. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 05 01; 152(5):479-488.
PMID: 41885872
Associations between greenspace and memory: Evidence from the COMPASS cohort in Chicago.
Associations between greenspace and memory: Evidence from the COMPASS cohort in Chicago. Environ Res. 2026 Aug 01; 302:124554.
PMID: 42034153
Integrating the physical environment into Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias research: A Gateway Exposome Coordinating Center (GECC) agenda on gaps and priorities.
Integrating the physical environment into Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias research: A Gateway Exposome Coordinating Center (GECC) agenda on gaps and priorities. Alzheimers Dement. 2026 Apr; 22(4):e71429.
PMID: 42015354
Estimated lithium exposure in drinking groundwater and stroke risks in the United States.
Estimated lithium exposure in drinking groundwater and stroke risks in the United States. Int J Stroke. 2026 Mar 03; 17474930261432186.
PMID: 41775701