My lab studies the molecular processes that regulate ischemic angiogenesis in cardiovascular
diseases. We use RNA/DNA sequencing, metabolomics, and bioinformatics analysis to
discover novel genetic and metabolic regulators of ischemic angiogenic programs. Insights
from these studies will be used to target and regulate endothelial and macrophage
phenotypes in in-vitro and in-vivo pre-clinical models and test their ability to revascularize
the ischemic tissue for optimal blood flow and perfusion.
Research Projects
My lab is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis
in hypoxic tissue environment.
Current studies focus on understanding and targeting the
Metabolic shifts in hypoxic endothelial cells that regulate their angiogenic capacity
to revascularize ischemic tissue. This project studies the role of glycolytic vs. non-glycolytic metabolic pathways
that regulate hypoxic endothelial angiogenic capacity in Peripheral Artery Disease
(PAD).
Non-coding RNAs that regulate hypoxic endothelial and macrophage phenotypes to enhance
microvascular perfusion. NovelNon-coding RNAs (small and long) discovered from PAD patients segregated based on
disease severity will be tested for their translational potential in regulating endothelial
and macrophage phenotypes using in-vitro and in-vivo models of Preclinical PAD.
Splicing mechanisms that produce alternatively spliced anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms
in PAD. Molecular processes and signaling events that regulate VEGF-A splicing to produce
of Pro- vs. Anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms in ischemic vasculature is the focus of
the study.
Spotlight Publications
Vijay Chaitanya Ganta*, Min Choi, Charles Farber, Brian Annex. Anti-angiogenic VEGF165b regulates Macrophage-polarization
via S100A8/S100A9 in Peripheral Artery Disease. Circulation. 2018; 139:226–242. 2019 Jan 8;139(2):226-242
Ganta VC, Choi M, Kutateladze A, Annex BH. VEGF165b Modulates Endothelial VEGFR1-STAT3 Signaling
Pathway and Angiogenesis in Human and Experimental Peripheral Arterial Disease. Circulation Research. 2017; 120(2):282-295.
