Our Research
Experimental systems to study vascular health
Proper tissue formation and function requires the cardiovascular system, which uses a network of blood vessels to move nutrients, gases, and wastes to and from tissues throughout the body. Disruptions to the strictly organized vascular system contribute to the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurovascular disease (e.g. stroke), cancer, and diabetes. Understanding the mechanisms involved in vascular development and function is critical to improving detection, management, and prevention of vascular related diseases. Our research uses in vivo and in vitro systems to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in regulating vascular morphogenesis and in maintaining healthy vascular function.
The neurovascular unit in brain arteriovenous malformation
The classic view of the brain vasculature is that it provides a platform for nutrient and metabolic waste exchange between the blood supply and neural tissue; however, the vasculature performs additional critical functions. Cells within blood vessels contact and communicate with several other cell types, including pericytes, neurons, and neuroglia (e.g., astrocytes and microglia). Together, these cells form an anatomical and functional unit called the neurovascular unit (NVU), which is present at the capillary (microvascular) level of brain vasculature. Thus, different cell types within the brain are positioned to communicate with and influence one another during physiological and pathophysiological processes. We are studying NVU cells in the context of brain arteriovenous malformation — this includes understanding consequences to these multiple different cell types and testing whether they are actively involved in the pathogenesis of the disorder.
Therapeutic approaches to mitigate features of brain arteriovenous malformation
Neurovascular disorders – including stroke, brain aneurysm, and vascular malformations – strike an estimated seven million Americans annually, and can lead to vascular pathologies, neurological disability, and death. Our ongoing research is aimed at uncovering cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to brain arteriovenous malformation, a neurovascular disease with no current pharmacological treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Through our research, we are using experimental systems to identify and test pharmacological based approaches to prevent and alleviate features of this disorder.
Gastrointestinal vascular malformations
In mammals, the circulatory system is an interconnected network of blood vessels that delivers oxygenated blood to all tissues; however, studies have shown that vascular beds within different organs, though interconnected, develop and function via different mechanisms. Another branch of our research focuses on the development and maintenance of the microvasculature within the gastrointestinal system, including the small intestine and liver. These extensive and specialized vascular beds support digestion and thus contribute to overall tissue and organismal health. We are investigating how specific genetic perturbations affect the gastrointestinal vasculature and lead to vascular malformations.
Research collaborations
We are fortunate to collaborate locally, nationally, and internationally, with outstanding researchers here at Ohio University and beyond. We value these partnerships and believe that collaborative research efforts accelerate scientific progress and move us closer to improved methods for diagnosing and treating human disorders and diseases.