Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory

The research program in the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on vascular dysfunction, inflammation, metabolic regulation, and physiological responses to environmental stressors. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates exercise physiology, vascular biology, molecular biology, transgenic mouse models, and bioinformatics to investigate disease mechanisms, physiological adaptations, and potential therapeutic strategies.

The primary research interests in our laboratory include: 1) investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving vascular remodeling, fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases; 2) understanding the interactions between vascular dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes; 3) exploring the protective effects of exercise training on cardiovascular and metabolic health, with particular emphasis on vascular adaptations, autonomic regulation, and insulin sensitivity; 4) investigating the cardiovascular and molecular responses to environmental stressors, particularly exertional heat stress and heat stroke, to understand the mechanisms of vascular injury, inflammation, and tissue remodeling under extreme environmental conditions; and 5) identifying novel molecular pathways and therapeutic targets through advanced approaches, including single-cell transcriptomics, molecular profiling, and genetically modified animal models.

Our research aims to bridge fundamental discoveries and clinical applications through translational investigations, advancing our understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic health, exercise-induced adaptations, and environmental stress responses. Ultimately, we seek to develop innovative strategies to prevent and mitigate cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction and improve human health and resilience under physiological and environmental challenges.

 

Equipment List 

  • CFX Opus 96 Real-Time PCR System
  • T100 Thermal Cycler
  • Chemidoc touch Imaging System
  • Trans-Blot Turbo Transfer System
  • Invitrogen Powerease touch Wetsern blot system
  • Countess 3 Automated Cell Counter
  • Glomax Explorer multimodal plate reader
  • Nanodrop One-c spectrophotometer
  • Leica Inverted Microspcope with FlexCam Camera system
  • Accuspin Refrigerated microcentrifuge
  • Sorvall Legend XTR Refrigerated centrifuge
  • Megafige 8R Refrigerated centrifuge
  • 2.5 liter Freeze Dryer
  • Plate Washer
  • Epoch Plate Reader
  • 24.2 Cu. Ft. ULT -80 Freezer
  •  HM525 NX Crostat
  • Forma Series 3 CO2 incubator
  • Logic+ biosafety cabinet
  • Premier Chemical Fume Hood
  • Elite Benchtop Autoclave
  • Plate Rocker
  • Scale
  • 2 in one water bath
  • Jitterbug Plate Shaker
  • Heating Block
  • Heated Stirir
  • Tissue Homogenizer
  • Cell Sorter
  • Flourescent microscope
  • Cryostat
  • Surgical Suites
  • Animal Cages with advanced cage wash and bedding system
  • Biorad figital droplet PCR machine
  • H-7650 120kV Automatic transmission electron microscope with integrated CCD camera
  • S-3400N Variable Pressure scanning electron microscope
  • TM-1000 Tabletop scanning electron microscope
  • TCS SP5 II confocal microscope with a resonant scanner, 5-channel spectral detector, AOBS, with laser lines (all with AOTFs):  405, 488, 561, 594, and 633 nm
  • M165FC Fluorescence stereo microscope
  • Andor Dragonfly confocal system, 6 laser lines (405, 445, 488, 514, 568, 637)
  • Stage top microscope incubator (for imaging at mammalian physiological- and subambient temperatures)
  • ExCite wide field LED epifluorescence light source