My interest is in cell-specific steroid microenvironments, particularly in the endothelium. We have previously shown that the endothelial glucocorticoid receptor (GR) suppresses vascular inflammation and that loss of this receptor accelerates and worsens conditions such as sepsis and atherosclerosis which are mediated via vascular inflammation. ChIP-seq studies of the endothelial glucocorticoid receptor revealed enriched binding of genes in the Wnt signaling pathway and additional studies have shown that loss of endothelial GR upregulates canonical Wnt signaling. Wnt signaling is increasingly recognized as an important mechanistic component of vascular disease and is also known to contribute to renal disease as well. Using mouse models with endothelial GR knockout and a small molecule Wnt inhibitor we recent can demonstrated that Wnt inhibition improves both vascular inflammatory and renal fibrosis phenotypes. We are now working with a genetic mouse model of endothelial-specific Wnt inhibition to explore the mechanism of these observations further by examining endothelial cell metabolism of fuel sources and effects on cytokine homeostasis.
Favorite off-time activity
Family time with my husband and 3 daughters--hiking, running, swimming and reading for fun.
Best advice for new innovators
Follow the data and remain focused. Discovery means forging your own path.
