Research Focus: Endothelium physiology and pulmonary arterial hypertension

Research Focus: Vascular Biology and Disease, aortic aneurysmThesis: Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm● Identified that cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1C regulate vascular smooth muscle cell senescence in vitro and contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development in murine models of AAA induced by periaortic elastase incubation through survival surgery or subcutaneous Angiotensin II pump infusion. ● Discovered that PDE1C-controlled cAMP suppresses smooth muscle cell senescence and AAA development through cAMP-mediated direct interaction and activation of SIRT1● Identified that a non-specific phosphodiesterase 1C inhibitor (a dietary supplement for cognition improvement)suppress NF-κB-dependent macrophage inflammation in vitro, diminished inflammatory response in aorta wall in vivo, and ameliorate AAA growth by post-intervention treatment in murine model●Described a deleterious effect of PDE5 inhibitor in aggravating AAA growth through mechanism regulating smooth muscle cell contractility in murine model.● Investigated the role of phosphodiesterase 1C in regulating atherosclerosis and underlined smooth muscle cell phenotype change in murine models

Research Focus: Neuroscience and Circadian BiologyThesis: Role of Endogenous Melatonin on the Regulation of Circadian Reentrainment, and Melatonin Receptors and Clock Gene Expression in C57BL/6J Mice● Investigated the role of endogenous melatonin in regulating multiple biological rhythms, physiological processes and rhythmic behaviors using genetic murine lines that are proficient or deficient in melatonin synthesis. ●Discovered diurnal rhythm of melatonin receptor expression in in suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of murine brain through 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding ● Identified that endogenous melatonin accelerate re-entrainment of wheel-running activity following an abrupt six-hour phase advance of dark onset (like in eastbound jet travel from NY to Paris), facilitating clock alignment to destination time. Described re-entrainment of clock gene PER1 expression in the SCN of murine. ● Investigated spontaneous homecage behaviors of murine using a video tracking system

Research Focus: Neuroscience Research Focus: MT1 Melatonin receptor Overexpression Following Stereotaxic Intracranial Injection of Virus in Ventral Tegmental Area of murine brain

Enrolled in an interdisciplinary, 10-week long summer research program for undergraduates to conduct research in the biomedical sciences. The CLIMB UP program provides research mentoring and professional development. Students explore graduate and career opportunities, discuss and present their research, network, and participate in social activities.