Shuangyue (Angela) Li
Research Summary
Ischemic injuries often lead to severe outcomes. The current treatments rely on invasive vascular surgeries or procedures done by interventional specialists (such as angioplasty). The Notch signaling pathway has been linked to vascularization. My project investigates whether Notch receptor overexpression, independent of hemodynamic changes such as AV shunting or shear stress, can induce arterial remodeling and collateralization. Using the Cre/LoxP system under the BMX arterial-specific promoter, we selectively overexpressed Notch receptors in arteries and induced ischemia via microsurgical occlusion. Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging (LDPI) was used to assess perfusion changes post-surgery. We found that Notch4 overexpression in the femoral artery significantly improved perfusion 21 days after surgery, while Notch1-ICD had no statistically significant effect. These results suggest that Notch4, not Notch1, may play a key role in arterial remodeling and collateral vessel formation after ischemic injury.
“Dr. Beckman's scientific curiosity inspired me in high school, and he continues to impact my scientific career. When I see experiments involving spectrometry, I am constantly reminded of all the attempts I made to answer my scientific questions at a young age. Never stop the great questions, that's what makes humans unique!