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About the VRL

The VRL brings together cardiologists, pulmonologists, critical care specialists, and basic scientists to explore cardiopulmonary vascular disease pathobiology, treatment, and outcomes.  The laboratories are located at the Providence VA Medical Center. 

Areas of research interest:

  • Mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension and acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Mechanisms of acute lung injury
  • Mechanisms of endothelial cell dysfunction
  • Pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
  • Macrophage signaling pathways that regulate vascular remodeling.
  • The role of small GTPases in promoting vascular and valvular calcification.
  • The role of miRs and RNA binding proteins in the regulation of arteriogenesis.
  • The role of miRs in regulating macrophage phenotypic responses during vascular remodeling in atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension.
  • The role of endocytosis in modulating endothelial monolayer permeability.
  • Characterizing intracellular signaling mechanisms which regulate endothelial cell functions and/or responses to environmental cues.
  • Preclinical and clinical research is to characterize the cardiac dysfunction in lung diseases in patients and preclinical models, and investigate the underlying mechanisms.
  • The role of endothelial K+ channels in vascular function.
  • The role of small GTPase post-translational processing in modulation of lung vascular permeability and apoptosis.
  • Effects of tobacco smoke exposure on lung vascular permeability and lung endothelial cell apoptosis.
  • Effects of adenosine on lung vascular permeability.
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and factors that impair compliance with therapy.
  • The role of natriuretic peptides-cGMP signalling pathway in modulating pulmonary hypertensive and right ventricular hypertrophic responses and pulmonary endothelial barrier function.
  • The role of mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular vesicles and micro RNAs in pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.
  • Use of investigational agents to treat adult patients with pulmonary hypertension.
  • Treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism.