David A. Tulis

Dr. David A. Tulis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. He also serves as a Master Educator in the Office of Faculty Affairs & Leadership Development and as Director of both the Summer Scholars Research Program (SSRP) and the Research Distinction Track in the Office of Medical Education.

Dr. Tulis's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (Cardiovascular Sciences Tract) from Eastern Virginia Medical School & Old Dominion University
• M.S. in Toxicology (major) with Genetics minor from North Carolina State University
• B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Post-doctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University

His research program focuses on cardiovascular disease mechanisms, particularly abnormal blood vessel growth. Dr. Tulis's laboratory investigates acid-/pH-sensing receptors and ion channels, transcriptional/translational control mechanisms, and cyclic nucleotide/protein kinase signaling pathways. Recent work has centered on ischemic hypoxia and novel regulatory avenues. His lab employs biochemical, molecular, cellular, and functional approaches including gain-of-function/loss-of-function interventions and various experimental models.

Analysis of Dr. Tulis's recent publications (2015-2025) reveals a consistent focus on vascular smooth muscle cell physiology, with particular emphasis on pH-sensing mechanisms (GPR68), cyclic nucleotide signaling, and kinase pathways that regulate vascular growth. His work spans basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with several studies examining novel targets for cardiovascular disease treatment.

Dr. Tulis has received multiple research grants as Principal Investigator, including funding from NIH/NHLBI, the Brody Brothers Endowment Fund, and ECU internal funding mechanisms. His grant portfolio demonstrates a progression from fundamental mechanistic studies to more translational projects focused on vascular complications in conditions like hypertension and ischemia.

Professional service highlights include editorial roles at Frontiers journals and participation in numerous grant review panels for the American Heart Association, NIH, and international organizations. Dr. Tulis's extensive peer review and editorial work underscores his standing as a respected expert in cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology.