Vascular Disease & Inflammation: Systems Approaches for Complex Cardiovascular Disease
Our Research
Our group is a translational research team focused on addressing the cardiovascular health needs of the Deep South. We study the mechanisms of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD), with particular emphasis on inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the impact of smoking. Our work has identified vascular extracellular matrix fragments (matrikines) and exosome signaling as novel mediators and potential therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease.
We leverage spatial multiomics, translational animal models, and novel clinical discovery platforms for a total systems biology approach to map vascular disease and inflammation at high resolution. By integrating molecular, cellular, and physiological data, we aim to uncover new biomarkers and treatment strategies for complex cardiovascular conditions.
Our group is also a core part of the UAB Cardiopulmonary Research Program, investigating how cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases intersect, including smoking-induced lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and COPD with comorbid CAD.
