Cardiometabolic Signaling Lab

The Cardiometabolic Signaling Lab investigates the intricate relationship between heart function, metabolic health, and disorders like HFpEF, particularly focusing on the cGMP-dependent PKG pathway for potential innovative therapies.

At the Cardiometabolic Signaling Lab, our mission is to unravel the complex interplay between heart function and metabolic health, with a special emphasis on Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) and metabolic syndromes. This condition, affecting millions globally, is increasing in prevalence, particularly among postmenopausal women, underscoring a critical need for advanced research and innovative therapies.

Our research is anchored in understanding the multifaceted nature of cardiometabolic disorders, which lie at the nexus of cardiovascular and metabolic health. We explore the intricate molecular signaling pathways, specifically focusing on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent Protein Kinase G (PKG) pathway. This pathway plays a vital role in cellular communication and function, influencing not only intracellular processes but also critical inter-organ cross-talk.

A significant area of our investigation involves the modulation of these signaling pathways by phosphodiesterases (PDEs), particularly PDE5 and PDE9. We are pioneering research into how the inhibition of PDE9A, for instance, could rectify cardiometabolic imbalances by altering metabolic and mitochondrial dynamics. Our laboratory seeks to uncover the nuances of these molecular interactions, delving into the mitochondrial signalosome, metabolic flux, epigenetic modifications, and their implications in cardiometabolic diseases. We believe that a holistic approach is crucial in tackling cardiometabolic disorders. In line with this, our lab also focuses on the broader physiological interactions and lifestyle factors that influence heart and metabolic health.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology's endorsement of exercise and lifestyle modifications for heart failure patients underscores the importance of this approach. We integrate these lifestyle factors into our research, aiming to understand how they interact with molecular pathways and contribute to disease pathology and management. Our lab is not just a hub for advanced scientific inquiry but also a training ground for the next generation of researchers. We provide an interdisciplinary platform for students and scientists to engage with cutting-edge technology and methodologies, from protein biochemistry to multi-omics analyses.

This comprehensive approach allows for a deep dive into the molecular underpinnings of cardiometabolic diseases, with the ultimate goal of developing targeted therapeutic strategies that address both HFpEF and metabolic syndromes. In summary, the Cardiometabolic Signaling Lab is dedicated to advancing our understanding of cardiometabolic health from a molecular perspective. By exploring the heart of these complex diseases, we aim to open new avenues for effective interventions and improve the quality of life for patients worldwide.

Principal Investigator