RF1NS139972 Active
Molecular pathways driving white matter vascular lesions
NIH / NINDS · PI · since 2024
Research
From single vessels to the whole brain
We are a translational neuroscience lab studying the molecular pathways that drive the two most common neurologic disorders — stroke and dementia. Our work spans the vascular biology of the brain, from single glial cells to human clinical biomarkers, with the shared goal of protecting and repairing the brain's white matter.
Program 01
Neurovascular mechanisms of white matter injury & repair
The oligovascular niche after stroke
White matter is exquisitely vulnerable to vascular injury. We study how signaling between blood vessels and oligodendrocyte lineage cells — the "oligovascular niche" — controls myelin loss and repair after ischemic stroke, including IL-17/CXCL5 chemokine signaling and SARM1-driven axonal degeneration.
- IL-17/CXCL5 signaling in human and mouse white matter injury
- Vascular regulation of remyelination
- SARM1 as a target to limit axonal degeneration
Related publications
Program 02
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment & dementia
How the failing neurovascular unit drives decline
An NIA-funded program investigating how vascular dysregulation contributes to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease, including the interplay between neurovascular dysfunction and tau aggregation, and the angiogenic factor placental growth factor (PlGF) as a driver and marker of decline.
- Placental growth factor (PlGF) and cognitive trajectories
- Neurovascular dysfunction and tau pathology
- Sex differences in brain aging
Related publications
Program 03
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease
Modeling diseased cerebral arteries in 3D
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a leading cause of stroke worldwide. We build flow-dependent, endothelialized 3D in vitro models of the cerebral vasculature to dissect disease mechanisms and test therapeutic and endovascular strategies.
- Flow-dependent endothelialized 3D vascular models
- Lesion location and clinical outcomes
- Translational and endovascular therapy
Program 04
Blood-based biomarkers & clinical translation
From the bench to the clinic
We develop and validate blood-based biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease and post-stroke cognitive impairment, partnering in national consortia (MarkVCID) and contributing to AHA scientific statements that shape clinical practice — always with a commitment to equity in science and medicine.
- MarkVCID biomarker validation consortium
- Inflammatory network biomarkers of stroke risk
- AHA scientific statements on vascular brain health
Related publications
Support
Funding
Our work is made possible by the generous support of public and private funders.
U24 (consortium site) Active
MarkVCID2 Consortium — clinical validation of small vessel disease biomarkers
NIH / NINDS · NIA · Site PI · since 2023
Ressler Family Foundation Active
Neurovascular pathways driving tau dysregulation
Private foundation · PI · since 2022
R01NS112799 Active
Shear stress and endothelial pathophysiology in intracranial atherosclerosis
NIH / NINDS · PI · since 2020
Our commitment
Equity in science and medicine
Across every program, we are committed to equity in education, science, and medicine — training the next generation of physician-scientists and ensuring the benefits of discovery reach the communities most affected by stroke and dementia.