A main focus of interest is how stem cells can be differentiated (committed) into particular lineages such that the derived progeny can accomplish specific functions.
I am interested in understanding the regulatory mechanisms that dictate the plasticity, or the ability, of the aforementioned stem cells to generate differentiated progeny in a directed and controlled manner. In addition, we seek to understand the molecular mechanisms that dictate the progenitor capacity of these cells and in such the role of Nucleosome Assembly Protein 1 (NAP1) is examined.
Thus, a second major focus of interest is to examine the capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (both native and exogenous) to repair the endothelial barrier and its ability to improve the outcome in an in vivo model by inflicting lung injury in rodents with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Vascular inflammation in pulmonary disease.
