Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein that is abundantly expressed on the surface of various cell types, where it binds to class 3 semaphorins (Sema3), heparan sulfate, and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). Nrp1 plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and vascular permeability regulation, particularly in the VEGF si...

Genetic and Pharmacological Targeting of mTORC1 in Mouse Models of Arteriovenous Malformation Expose Non-Cell Autonomous Signalling in HHT Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations leading to the loss of function in either Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 1 (ACVRL1) or Endoglin (ENG), which act as receptors a...

Academic Background Conjunctival Melanoma (COM) is a rare but potentially lethal ocular cancer, particularly when metastasis occurs, with limited treatment options. Although current treatments for primary conjunctival melanoma are relatively effective, once metastasis occurs, patient survival rates drop significantly, with most patients surviving l...

Academic Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of central vision loss among the elderly, particularly in its neovascular (NV) form, where choroidal neovascularization (CNV) leads to rapid and severe vision loss. Current AMD treatments primarily rely on intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (...

ALK1/Endoglin Signaling Restricts Vein Cell Size Increases in Response to Hemodynamic Cues Academic Background The normal development and function of the vascular system rely on precise regulation of blood vessel diameter. Hemodynamic cues, such as fluid shear stress (FSS), are considered critical factors in regulating vessel diameter. According to...

Academic Background and Problem Statement Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are benign vascular anomalies prone to pain, bleeding, and progressive growth. The primary cause of AVMs is somatic mutations in the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway. However, not all patients have identifiable causative mutations. To further explore the pathogenesis of AVMs, re...

Site-Specific Genetic and Functional Signatures of Aortic Endothelial Cells at Aneurysm Predilection Sites in Healthy and AngII ApoE−/− Mice Academic Background Aortic aneurysm (AA) is characterized by pathological dilation at specific predilection sites of the vessel, potentially leading to life-threatening vascular rupture. Aortic aneurysms typic...

Academic Background The formation and maintenance of vascular networks are critical processes in embryonic development and tissue regeneration, involving the regulation of various biophysical forces. Endothelial cells (ECs) play a central role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, with the contractile forces of the cytoskeleton (actomyosin contractil...

Academic Background The placenta plays a critical role in health and disease during pregnancy, and its development and function directly impact pregnancy outcomes. The early development of the utero-placental vasculature is essential for ensuring normal placental function, while abnormal vascular development is closely associated with placenta-rela...

Academic Background and Problem Statement Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a common retinal neurovascular disorder in premature infants, primarily occurring in those whose retinal vascular development is incomplete. Due to exposure to a relatively hyperoxic environment after birth, especially with supplemental oxygen therapy, hyperoxia suppresse...