Research

A live view into mammalian vascular development and regeneration

Our research is centered on blood vessels with a focus on understanding remodeling of the vascular network in physiological and pathological settings. Leveraging a live imaging approach that utilizes multiphoton microscopy, we aim to deepen our understanding of the cellular mechanisms that dictate the developmental, regenerative and pathological states of the mammalian vasculature. Utilizing the mouse skin as a model, our longitudinal imaging platform allows us to track the the same vascular endothelial cells (ECs) over hours, days, weeks, or months to understand the behaviors of these cells within their native tissue environment.

Developmental vascular remodeling and underlying cell biology

The neonatal developmental window represents a crucial yet understudied phase that is required to bridge the dynamic events of embryonic morphogenesis to the steady state of adult homeostasis. We have identified the neonatal skin as a vascular network undergoing maturation, providing a framework for us to understand the vessel remodeling dynamics, underlying cellular mechanisms, and molecular events that orchestrate the establishment of vascular homeostatic function and architecture.

Mechanisms of vascular repair and regeneration

The adult endothelium is actively maintained in a non-cycling, quiescent state. However, this resting state is reversible and ECs are able to enter the cell cycle under specific conditions such as in response to injury. While the ability of blood vessels to carry out angiogenesis during the wound healing process is well established, many open questions remain regarding the context specific regulation of vascular regeneration. We aim to understand the dynamics of vascular regeneration that occurs during the wound healing process with respect to injury type/scale, developmental stage and microenvironment.

Vascular anomalies and disease states

The patterning and and establishment of a functional vascular network arises through a stereotypical developmental program. However, acquisition of pathogenic mutations, inherited and somatic, have been shown to have deleterious outcomes for the architecture and function of the vasculature. Utilizing genetic mouse models and our longitudinal imaging approach, we aim to resolve the step-wise progression of aberrant vessel remodeling and cellular behaviors that ultimately result in malformation of the vascular network.