My research goal is to define cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological regulation of cardiovascular system. Further studies emphasize gene regulation and tissue engineering. Microvascular exchange is of critical importance to the maintenance of normal tissue function. Under pathological conditions, such as inflammation, ischemia reperfusion injury, trauma, and diabetes, microvascular permeability is increased, leading to dysfunction of the affected organs. Our previous studies have demonstrated that shear stress, growth factors, and agonists are capable of modulating arteriolar tone as well as venular permeability by stimulating protein kinase C and nitric oxide synthase.
Further studies are to elucidate the downstream reactions that mediate the microvascular responses.
Signaling and structural molecules, including the cytoskeletal contractile elements and adhesive proteins, are currently under investigation. In addition, the role of leukocyte activation in the development of microcirculatory dysfunction is examined. The studies provide a systematical evaluation of the regulatory mechanisms that control hemodynamic, cellular, and molecular interactions in the cardiovascular system. Recent Representative Publications Yuan, Y., H. J. Granger, D. C. Zawieja, and W. M. Chilian. Flow modulates venular permeability by a nitric oxide-related mechanism.