The central focus of my lab is to examine the effects of estrogen loss in heart disease and identify alternative mechanisms to protect the heart from failure in the ageing and postmenopausal heart. My lab uses an ovariectomized mouse model as well as genetic knockout mouse models to mimic estrogen loss and signaling stimulation. This project includes identifying the molecular signals involved in the cross communication between estrogen receptors and G protein coupled receptor signaling during estrogen loss. We are also examining the role of microdomain structures called caveolae and their accessory caveolin proteins and their role in estrogen receptor signaling and heart failure. The second goal of my lab is to examine the timing of estrogen loss and effects of aging on the female heart. These studies will provide new evidence on cellular factors that can serve as gender specific therapeutic targets specifically the role of caveolin proteins in heart disease in postmenopausal women.

If you are interested in knowing more about my research and publications, please check out my Google Scholar site.

 

Courses:

• Fundamentals of Molecular Medicine-BIOL 4057
• Biology for Science Majors I-BIOL 1110