Research
Blood vessels undergo dynamic functional and structural changes—known as angiogenesis and vascular remodeling—across many disease states, including cancer. The importance of these vascular processes has been underscored by decades of genetic and molecular studies, particularly in understanding tumor biology. Despite this progress, key challenges remain:
- Developing effective strategies to delay or prevent disease progression by targeting blood vessels and identifying novel vascular targets.
- Uncovering how vascular alterations interact with the immune system to influence disease progression.
Our lab aims to decipher these complex vascular–immune interactions and translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic opportunities.
Current research areas include:
- Mechanisms of tumor immune evasion - uncovering how vascular abnormalities drive immune suppression, including T cell exclusion and resistance to immunotherapy in primary and metastatic tumors.
- Resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy - identifying mechanisms of resistance to anti-VEGF treatments in liver metastases of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Circulating vascular biomarkers - exploring the potential of endothelial-derived factors as predictive and prognostic biomarkers in cancer.
- Vascular dysfunction in neurodegeneration - defining how vascular abnormalities and blood-brain barrier disruption contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
We employ an integrated approach that combines preclinical studies using genetically engineered mouse models with translational analyses of human biospecimens. Our ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies that restore vascular integrity, enhance immune function, and ultimately prevent or slow disease progression.