Hematovascular Pathophysiology

Age is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite this, we have an incomplete understanding of how aging promotes CVD. In this regard, acquired mutations in hematopoietic cells are emerging as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and as a shared pathophysiologic mechanism of CVD and blood cancer. The Master student will perform a number of experimental studies that intend to examine how mutant immune cells contribute to atherosclerotic CVD. By doing this, he/she will be exposed to many research techniques (e.g. histology, flow cytometry, immune cell culture), and will also be introduced to the use of mouse models in cardiovascular research.