Dr. Huo's group investigates the metabolic pathways that control leukocyte recruitment and activation, endothelial inflammation, the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, as well as the mesenchymal transition of these cells in the progression of below diseases:
- Microvascular diseases, such as retinopathies (retinopathy of prematurity [ROP]; proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]; age-related macular degeneration [AMD]), stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes/obesity, and pulmonary hypertension.
- Macrovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and vascular calcification.
Dr. Huo's group applies in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo animal models of these diseases to various engineered mice, utilizing a variety of cellular, molecular, and genetic assays, as well as omics analyses, to determine the phenotypes of disease models and characterize the underlying genetic, molecular, and metabolic mechanisms involved in the development and progression of these diseases. By studying the metabolic and inflammatory processes underlying these vascular diseases, Dr. Huo's group aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of these conditions and pave the way for developing novel therapeutic interventions for vascular-related diseases.