Genomic Analysis: We employ whole-exome sequencing and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic variants linked to vascular diseases. Long-read sequencing and comparative genomic studies are utilized to identify structural variants and their implications in disease predisposition.
Epigenomic Profiling: We investigate DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications using bisulfite sequencing and ChIP-seq to understand their roles in gene regulation, disease susceptibility, and progression in vascular diseases.
Transcriptomic Studies: Utilizing RNA-seq, we profile gene expression changes in venous tissues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathology and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Proteomic: We conduct proteomic analyses using mass spectrometry to characterize the protein expression profiles in vascular tissues, identifying differentially expressed proteins associated with venous diseases and their role in disease mechanisms.
Metabolomic Profiling: Mass spectrometry is also employed to analyze metabolic changes in patients with vascular diseases, aiming to identify biomarkers that correlate with disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Biomaterial Design: We develop hydrogels and electrospun nanofibers embedded with growth factors or antimicrobial agents to enhance the healing process of chronic wounds. Advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical testing are employed to characterize the physicochemical properties of these biomaterials. We assess the efficacy of developed materials in animal models of diabetic wounds and venous ulcers, evaluating healing rates, tissue integration, and inflammatory responses.
Our research delves into the pathophysiology of venous diseases with an emphasis on how alterations in endothelial cell function contribute to venous hypertension, utilizing in vitro assays to assess endothelial permeability and inflammatory responses. The roles of cytokines and chemokines in chronic venous disease are studied through in vitro models and animal studies to elucidate their contributions to tissue remodeling and ulcer formation. We analyze the impact of hemodynamic factors such as abnormal blood flow on venous wall biology using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and correlate findings with clinical data to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms.
Targeted Drug Delivery: We design and synthesize nanoparticles (e.g., liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles) for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics and biologics, evaluating their release profiles and cellular uptake both in vitro and in vivo.
Wound Healing Applications:We investigate the use of nanofibers and nanoparticle-infused hydrogels in wound dressings, assessing their antimicrobial properties and effects on cellular behaviors such as proliferation and migration.
Our cancer research aims to uncover the molecular underpinnings of tumor biology, focusing on tumor microenvironment, molecular profiling, and therapeutic resistance.
Research on mechanisms of bacterial resistance, focusing on monitoring of circulating resistant genes and resensitizing resistant bacteria to antibiotics offers potential strategies to combat multidrug-resistant infections.