Current projects
Epicardial Regulation of Coronary Vascular Development and Cardiac Repair
Our laboratory investigates how the epicardium communicates with vascular and interstitial cells during heart development and in response to injury. The epicardium is an important source of cardiac cell populations and signaling molecules that support tissue organization, vascular growth, and repair. Building on our published single-cell transcriptomic studies, we use genetic models, lineage-tracing approaches, and molecular profiling to examine how epicardial-derived signals influence endothelial cell behavior and coronary blood vessel formation. By comparing epicardial cell states across developmental and disease contexts, we aim to uncover general principles governing cardiac cell–cell communication. Ultimately, this research seeks to identify pathways that could be safely leveraged to promote vascular regeneration, limit adverse tissue remodeling, and improve recovery following ischemic heart injury.
Cardiac Fibroblast Regulation of Angiogenesis and Tissue Repair
Blood vessel growth and tissue remodeling in the heart depend on coordinated communication between cardiac fibroblasts and vascular cells. Although fibroblasts are best known for producing and remodeling the extracellular matrix, they also secrete signals that can promote or restrict angiogenesis. Our laboratory uses genetic, molecular, cellular, and transcriptomic approaches to investigate how fibroblast-derived signals influence endothelial cell identity, vascular organization, and new blood vessel formation throughout development and following cardiac injury. We also examine how injury-induced changes in fibroblast behavior contribute to scar formation, vascular remodeling, and cardiac function. By defining the interactions among fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and the surrounding extracellular environment, this research seeks to uncover fundamental mechanisms that coordinate angiogenesis and tissue repair. Ultimately, these studies may reveal therapeutic strategies for enhancing beneficial vascular growth while limiting excessive fibrosis and adverse cardiac remodeling.
Pericyte–Endothelial Communication and Vascular Stability in the Heart
Maintaining a stable and functional vascular network is essential for preserving heart function during health and recovery from ischemic injury. Pericytes are specialized mural cells that closely associate with endothelial cells and help support microvascular integrity, blood vessel function, and tissue homeostasis. Our laboratory studies how cardiac pericytes respond to ischemic stress and communicate with endothelial and other neighboring cells within the vascular environment. Using genetic models, lineage-tracing methods, molecular profiling, and functional analyses, we examine how changes in pericyte behavior affect vascular permeability, inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac performance. Building on our published findings, this research seeks to define the broader cellular and molecular mechanisms through which pericytes maintain vascular stability and coordinate tissue repair. A better understanding of these interactions may reveal therapeutic strategies for protecting the cardiac microvasculature, reducing adverse remodeling, and improving recovery following ischemic heart disease.