Group Leader
Activity: Endothelial cells are the architects of blood and lymphatic vessel integrity, forming the inner lining that regulates inflammation, immune cell trafficking, and organ-specific vascular functions. Perivascular and mesenchymal cells contribute to the dynamic structure and function of vascular microenvironments. As we age, the balance between vascular and immune systems becomes disrupted, driving the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Emerging evidence also highlights an inflammatory component in osteoarthritis, further underscoring the pivotal role of vasculature in maintaining health and mediating disease. Despite these critical links between vascular and immune systems, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which endothelial cells modulate immune responses in aging and age-related diseases remain poorly understood. At the forefront of vascular biology, our lab combines advanced imaging and molecular tools to reconstruct the dynamic interactions between endothelial cells and their surrounding microenvironments. Using cutting-edge imaging techniques, we aim to redefine our understanding of how vascular and immune systems co-evolve with aging and in age-related disease.
Our Research Focus:
- Deciphering vascular interplay: Exploring how the vasculature of the brain, skull, and meninges interacts and adapts during aging and disease progression.
- Mapping vascular heterogeneity: Profiling the diversity of endothelial cells and immune cell dynamics in Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
- Unraveling vascular-immune crosstalk: Identifying molecular pathways and endothelial subtypes that drive immune regulation within vascular microenvironments.
Through our research, we aim to reconstruct the blueprint of vascular microenvironments, providing transformative insights into aging, inflammation, and the pathogenesis of age-related diseases.