Our research
Core Research themes
Podosomes are found in endothelial cells originating from both large and small vessels. However, they arise in response to distinct signals owing to endothelial-subtype phenotypic and functional differences. Our studies focus on characterizing these podosomes and the properties that such structures confer to endothelial cells, at all levels including in vitro signaling studies and in vivo mouse transgenic or knockout model analysis.
Our work stretches across two fronts:
– What are the signals that trigger podosome formation in arterial endothelial cells? To what extent do these podosomes contribute to vascular diseases such as Marfan disease?
– How do angiogenic factors, causing extension of the vascular bed, control podosome formation in microvascular endothelial cells?
In these two lines of research, we aim at finding ways to regain control of the process of podosome formation when it escapes physiological regulation.
Macrovascular endothelial cells
Transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) induces the formation of podosomes in arterial endothelial cells. Fgd1 is a key signaling element in the process of podosome induction. miR-155 regulates podosome formation in arterial endothelial cells
Microvascular endothelial cells
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces the formation of podosomes in microvascular endothelial cells. Endothelial cells form podosomes during developmental physiological angiogenesis
