Our research is focused on understanding the biological mechanism regulating the cellular energy and redox charge under normal and stressed conditions. Our primary interest revolves around ischemic diseases such as peripheral artery disease and myocardial infarction. We use state-of-the art fluorescent spectroscopy/microscopy and respirometry techniques to examine mitochondrial physiology and cellular metabolism in ‘live’ organelles, intact cells, and whole organisms. Our lab also genetically engineer’s adeno-associated viral vectors and transgenic rodent models to investigate novel therapies for the treatment of chronic disease.
Research Interests:
- Mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox biology
- Skeletal muscle regeneration and angiogenesis
- Engineering gene therapies for the treatment of chronic disease
- Conducts studies in cells, animal models, and human patients with chronic disease
- Metabolic signaling in response to cellular stress
Major Equipment:
- Two Oroboros High-Resolution Respirometers (O2K’s)
- Horiba Fluorolog Spectrofluorometer with custom-made fiber optics to allow for fluorescent measurements inside the Oroboros Respirometers
- EVOS FL 2 Auto Fluorescent Microscope
- Sterile cell culture suite with two CO2 incubators, BSL-2 cabinet, and hypoxia chamber system.
- Surgical suite for pre-clinical survival surgeries
- Beckman Spectrophotometer for biochemical enzyme assays
- General molecular biology equipment for molecular cloning, DNA, RNA, and protein analysis.