Projects/Fundings

Role of Endothelial Redox Signaling in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases

My research interests lie in studying the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with a particular focus on the role of redox signaling in vascular endothelial cell dysfunction in response to various risk factors including hyperlipidemia, aging, and chronic alcohol abuse, which have been supported by NIH grants (R01HL137771, R21AG058983, R21AA026922). Animal models of atherosclerosis, vascular aging, and chronic alcohol abuse models (binge, moderate, and heaving drinking) have been established in our laboratory. Genetically engineered mouse models are employed to decipher the in vivo role of thiol redox signaling in vascular endothelial dysfunction and development of cardiovascular diseases. My current research is focusing on studying the role of protein S-glutathionylation, an important oxidative post-translational modification known to transmit redox signaling in aortic endothelial dysfunction in the context of aging, metabolic disorders, and alcohol abuse. Redox proteomics enables us to identify new redox targets involved in regulation of endothelial function, cellular response to stresses, metabolism, atherogenesis, vascular remodeling, and aortic aneurysm.

Optical Coherence Tomography in In Vivo Vascular Imaging System

In addition to understanding the molecular mechanism of vascular diseases, our research interests also lie in developing multidisciplinary approach to measuring vascular function in murine animals. We have developed a novel optical coherence tomography-based vascular imaging system enabling to real-time measure 3D angiography and hemodynamics of femoral artery of mouse models in vivo, which is noninvasive, label-free, contact-free, and high degree of automation in data acquisition and processing. By using this system, we developed a new metho to measure flow-mediated vasodilation, analogous to human FMD test, which is the gold standard for assessing vascular endothelial function. Currently, we are developing a method to real time image the development of photo-activated thrombosis.

Redox-Controllable Delivery Nano-Particles to Aortic Endothelium

In Collaboration with Biotech, we are investigating in vivo delivery of redox-controllable nanoparticles to cardiovascular system, which has been a great challenge for drug delivery and treatment for cardiovascular disease. Both in vivo and in vitro data suggest such nanoparticles can be effectively taken up by endothelial cells and  accumulate significantly in atherosclerotic lesions in animal models; the release of encapsulated cargo can be controlled by manipulating redox status.