Our laboratory explores multiple aspects of cardiovascular cell biology as they relate to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.
We employ transgenic and knockout mouse models, ex vivo human and murine vascular specimens, in vitro cell culture systems, fluorescent and high resolution imaging techniques, and a wide variety of other molecular and biochemical tools to better understand the mechanisms associated with vascular pathologies. Current projects are examining the signaling mechanisms regulating macropinocytosis in leukocytes and vascular cells and to investigate the role of scavenger receptor-independent internalization of cholesterol by macrophages in the pathomechanism of atherosclerosis. Another area of major focus is defining the mechanisms that mediate lipoprotein efflux from atherosclerotic arteries via the lymphatic vasculature and induce plaque regression. Additional projects include identification of novel mechanisms of entry for circulating LDL into and across the endothelium and intercellular communication via macropinocytosis in the pathogenesis of aneurysm formation.
1. Visualization of macrophage fluid-phase macropinocytosis |
Antioxid Redox Signal (2017) PMID: 27488058 |
2. Thrombospondin 1 promotes macropinocytosis of native LDL in macrophages: |
Antioxid Redox Signal (2017) PMID: 27958762
|
Br J Pharmacol (2018) PMID: 29953580 |
Redox Biol (2019) PMID: 31201114 |
5. Role of R-spondin 2 in arterial lymphangiogenesis and atherosclerosis: |
Human coronary arteries
Cardiovasc Res (2020) PMID: 32750106
|
Macropinocytosis in macrophages
CD47 and Nox1 Mediate Dynamic Fluid-Phase Macropinocytosis of Native LDL
Csányi G, Feck DM, Ghoshal P, Singla B, Lin HP, Nagarajan S, Meijles DN, Al Ghouleh
I, Cantu-Medellin NC, Kelley EE, Mateuszuk LM, Isenberg JS, Watkins SC, and Pagano
PJ. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 26:886-901 (2017).
Antioxidants & Redox Signaling (ARS), June 1, 2017