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Exploring the Nexus of Vascular Biology, Metabolic Homeostasis, and Cardiovascular Health
Exploring the Nexus of Vascular Biology, Metabolic Homeostasis, and Cardiovascular Health
Our research group is at the forefront of dissecting the complex mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVD), one of the world's leading cause of death. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we are uncovering the layers that contribute to heart health and disease, focusing on three critical areas of research.
1. Regulation of Metabolic Homeostasis: The Lifelines of Cellular and Organismal Health in the Face of Disease.
The metabolism of cells is an intricate web of pathways that are essential for energy production, growth, and survival. In the context of cardiovascular health, disturbances in metabolic pathways can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. Our research casts a wide net, aiming to untangle the complex interactions between metabolism and disease states. We are particularly interested in how alterations in metabolic pathways can influence the heart and vasculature under stress conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Through a combination of metabolomic studies, animal models, and clinical data, we are mapping the metabolic changes that accompany cardiovascular diseases. Our ultimate goal is to identify metabolic signatures that can serve as biomarkers for early detection and targets for innovative therapeutic interventions.
2. Unraveling Flow-Induced Reprogramming in Endothelial Cells: A Gateway to Understanding Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer
Endothelial cells, the guardians of vascular integrity, exhibit remarkable plasticity in response to the mechanical forces exerted by blood flow. This plasticity is a double-edged sword: while normal flow patterns can foster a protective endothelial phenotype guarding against atherosclerosis, abnormal flow can trigger pathological remodeling, leading to CVD. Our research meticulously investigates how differential flow patterns can induce genetic and functional reprogramming of endothelial cells. Through cutting-edge molecular biology techniques and in vivo models, we aim to decode the signaling pathways and gene expression changes that underlie this reprogramming. By identifying key flow-sensitive molecular targets, we aspire to open new therapeutic avenues to combat vascular diseases, ultimately aiming to manipulate endothelial cell behavior to favor cardiovascular health.
Metabolic Crossroads in Tumor Vascular Immunity: Decoding the Interplay of Metabolism, Immunity, and Vascular Dynamics in Cancer:
Tumors are not merely a mass of proliferating cells; they are complex ecosystems where vascular networks and immune responses are intricately intertwined with metabolic processes. This project seeks to unravel how tumors exploit these connections to reprogram their microenvironment in ways that support survival and growth. By focusing on the metabolic plasticity within tumor cells and the immune cells infiltrating the tumor, we aim to decode the signaling pathways and gene expression changes driving this reprogramming. Using state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques and sophisticated in vivo models, our research aspires to identify critical metabolic and vascular checkpoints. These insights will pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies that target the tumor's metabolic vulnerabilities, aiming to disrupt its support systems and improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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