Sun Research

Contact

Positions:
  • Professor of Medicine
  • Associate Director, Center for Translational Medicine
  • Director, Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program

1020 Locust Street
Room 381
Philadelphia, PA 19107

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Dr. Sun’s research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation under various pathophysiological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, sepsis, and acute lung injury. The ultimate goal of our research is to provide clinical translation for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Research Projects

Molecular mechanisms of vascular inflammation

Vascular inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and diabetic vascular complications. Recently, we identified two key molecules, namely orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 and Protein-L-isoaspartate O-methyltransferase (PIMT), in vascular endothelial cells that have been shown to play a key role in vascular inflammation, endothelial barrier dysfunction, and vascular ageing. We are seeking to understand how they regulate endothelial hemostasis and barrier dysfunction and to develop novel strategies to improve endothelial function or barrier integrity to combat cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and acute lung injury. 

Effects of shear stress on endothelial homeostasis

Endothelial cells (ECs) that line blood vessels are constantly exposed to two types of shear stress: unidirectional laminar shear stress (LSS) and oscillatory shear stress (OSS). LSS has been shown to attenuate vascular inflammation, platelet activation, and endothelial barrier dysfunction, whereas OSS exerts the opposite effects. Dr. Sun’s lab has identified a novel gene, namely Latexin that has been shown to play a key role in this process. Recent findings from Dr. Sun’s laboratory have demonstrated that Latexin is a key player in regulating vascular permeability, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and platelet function. Presently, Dr. Sun’s lab has successfully developed several genetic tools and Latexin inhibitory agents to determine whether targeting Latexin is effective for the treatment of atherothrombosis, acute lung injury, and abdominal aortic aneurysm in various preclinical models of cardiovascular diseases.