Research
These are areas of research we are focused on, but also invite new collaborations and ideas which lead to new hypothesis-driven scientific knowledge and novel therapeutic development.
Heart Failure
Heart Failure (HF) is defined as a clinical syndrome in which the heart is unable to maintain cardiac output commensurate with the body's demand and is also one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The syndrome is classical described through changes in the left ventricular ejection fraction with various etiologies. Took account for heterogeneity of HF, we have preclinical models which recapitulate the major phenotypes of both HF with reduced (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We induce ischemic heart disease, various cardiomyopathies, or metabolically-driven perturbations leading to HF manifestation. We explore the mechanism(s) underlying the development and progression in hopes of identifying novel targets and therapeutic strategies to combat HF.
Gut-Host Interaction
The gut microbiome and host interaction plays a critical role in overall health and well being. Modifiable risk factors, such as diet, smoking and exercise can alter this interaction and lead to changes in gut metabolites and the endocrinological profile. The shift in metabolites which have hormone-like properties lead to alterations in cellular signaling and physiological homeostasis. We investigate the underlying mechanism(s) in this relationship which lead to increase risk and severity of cardiovascular disease and explore novel therapeutic strategies.
CNS in Cardiometbaolic Disease
There is a paucity of data understanding how sensory inputs lead in the central nervous system lead to central and systemic changes in CNS outputs in a coordinated multi-organ response. This is never more true than for the CNS and cardiovascular systems. While classical physiological responses are well understood (i.e. baroreceptor reflex), there is limited comprehension as to how dietary composition (fats, sugars, etc...) and alterations in the gut microbiome, alters sensory inputs and reinforces, through dopaminergic excess, co-morbidities (i.e. obesity, diabetes, hypertension) and subsequent adverse CV outcomes. We are interested in understanding how gut microbial reorganisation and gut-derived metabolites alter somatosensory activation in the CNS leading to CV pathophysiology and cardio-metabolic disease (CMD). Also, understanding the mechanism(s) by which novel therapeutics alter these interactions.
Cardiometabolic Disease
Coming Soon!
Cardio-Renal Syndrome 
Coming Soon!
Preclinical Translational Research
Coming Soon!
Laboratory Collaborations
Lefer Laboratory - Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Brown Laboratory - Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Makarewich Laboratory - Cincinnati Children's Hospital