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Syed Adeel ZaidiView profile

Researcher

• Retinal Neovascularization
• Ischemic Retinopathies
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• +5 more

Syed Adeel Zaidi is an Assistant Research Scientist at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, Department of Medicine, and a core member of the Vascular Biology Center's Ruth Caldwell Laboratory. His work bridges vascular biology, ophthalmology, and metabolic research to address vision-threatening conditions in premature infants and diabetic patients. Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, General, Manipal University (2016) MS in Biotechnology, Aligarh Muslim University (2008) BS in Biochemistry, Aligarh Muslim University (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Zaidi investigates molecular mechanisms of retinal vascular diseases with emphasis on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and diabetic retinopathy . His lab explores how enzymes like ACAT1/SOAT1 and arginase regulate pathological neovascularization, neurodegeneration, and metabolic dysfunction using transgenic mouse models. Current projects target ornithine decarboxylase pathways to prevent blindness in premature infants. Publications Trends: His 2022-2025 publications reveal a cohesive focus on metabolic drivers of retinal disease, particularly lipid/amino acid metabolism in neovascularization. Key patterns include ACAT1's role in dyslipidemia-induced vascular damage, arginase-mediated neuroprotection in optic nerve injury, and metabolic rewiring in diabetic retinopathy. This work positions metabolic enzymes as promising therapeutic targets across multiple blinding conditions. Scientific Awards: Early Career Mentorship Program (ARVO, 2025) Science Communication Training Fellowship (ARVO, 2024) Open Access APC Award (Augusta University, 2023) NEI-AOPT Early Career Travel Award (2023) Career Starter Award (Knights Templar, 2023) Advising and Grants: Dr. Zaidi mentors undergraduate researchers through CURS 2990/3990 courses and supervises projects in the Caldwell Lab. His $90,000 Knights Templar grant (2023) and $450,000 AHA Career Development Award (2025-2028) support preclinical development of ROP therapies targeting ornithine decarboxylase. Future work aims to translate findings to clinical trials for ischemic retinopathies. Labs and Teams: As part of Ruth Caldwell's multidisciplinary team, he collaborates with Modesto Rojas (ACAT1 research), Tahira Lemtalsi (cell biology), and Zhimin Xu (transgenic models). The lab combines molecular biology, tissue culture, and animal facilities to study vascular mechanisms, recently earning poster awards at the 2025 Savannah River Eye Meeting for ROP-related discoveries.

Alejandro Pablo AdamView profile

Associate Professor

• Inflammatory Responses
• Vascular Permeability
• Endothelial Cell Biology
• +6 more

Alejandro Pablo Adam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Albany Medical College. His research focuses on the pathophysiology of disproportionate inflammatory responses, emphasizing vascular permeability and organ dysfunction in conditions like sepsis, rosacea, and uveitis. He leads a lab dedicated to identifying therapeutic targets for excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Education: PhD, University of Buenos Aires (2007) BS/MS, University of Buenos Aires (1999) Dr. Adam's research explores both acute and sustained mechanisms of vascular leakage caused by cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Key areas include STAT3 signaling in endothelial cells, epigenetic responses in shock, and the role of adherens junctions in inflammation. His work bridges molecular studies with translational clinical trials, particularly for ocular rosacea. His recent publications and ongoing studies highlight advancements in understanding cytokine-driven vascular dysfunction, innate immunity in chronic inflammation, and novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics. These align with his lab's mission to translate findings into treatments. Scientific Awards & Funding: NIGMS R35 Award (2024) for endothelial signaling research NIH/NIGMS grants supporting vascular leakage and angiogenesis studies Dr. Adam's lab employs cutting-edge techniques like Airyscan and STED microscopy to investigate endothelial junction dynamics. Collaborative projects span pre-eclampsia, chorioretinal diseases, and sepsis models, with mentorship provided to PhD students like Shuhan Lu and postdoctoral fellows.

Ramon Bossardi RamosView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Epigenetics
• Endothelial Dysfunction
• +3 more

Ramon Bossardi Ramos, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Albany Medical College . His research focuses on bioinformatics , epigenetics , and the molecular mechanisms linking long-term inflammation to endothelial dysfunction . Education : PhD (2014, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), MSc (2011, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), BS (2010, Centro Universitário Metodista, Brazil), MBA (2019, Business School, Sao Paulo, Brazil), Postdoctoral Fellowships at Johns Hopkins University (2016) and Albany Medical College (2023) His current work at the bioinformatics core involves analyzing multiomics data to uncover how epigenetic modifications directly impact vascular health, building on prior studies of IL-6 signaling and SOCS3 mechanisms in inflammation models. Ramon's career spans explorations of multifactorial disease molecular bases at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), followed by postdoctoral research on gene imprinting and DNA methylation at Johns Hopkins University (2016), and IL-6 signaling studies at Albany Medical College (2023). He integrates molecular biology and genomics to address chronic inflammatory conditions.

• RNA Sequencing
• Genetics
• Enhancer Region
• +5 more

Dr. Eskeatnaf Mulugeta is an Assistant Professor at Erasmus MC in the Internal Medicine department. His research focuses on Genetics , Molecular Biology , and Medicine , particularly in the context of liver disease, transcriptome analysis, and genomic regulatory elements. Research Interests : RNA Sequencing and Transcriptomics Enhancer Regions and Non-coding Genomics Endothelial and Hepatic Stellate Cell Biology Liver Fibrosis and Metabolic Dysfunction Publications : Recent work includes studies on ZEB2's role in liver steatosis (2025), forensic single-cell DNA sequencing (2024), and SPLiT-seq pipeline comparisons (2024). His research spans functional genomics, computational biology, and clinical applications of genomic data. Collaborations : Active in multi-institutional research networks with contributions to forensic genetics and metabolic liver disease studies. Supervised Work : Mentored 2 supervised research projects, though specific advisees are not named in the text. Scientific Awards : No explicit awards or honors are mentioned in the provided text.

Sundeep KeswaniView profile

Professor

• Regenerative Tissue Repair
• Fetal Wound Healing
• Extracellular Matrix Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Sundeep Keswani is a Professor of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine , where he leads the Regenerative Tissue Repair Laboratory . His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of fetal wound healing and development of scarless tissue repair therapies, with significant work in congenital anomalies like diaphragmatic hernia and subaortic stenosis. Academic Appointments: Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery Research Themes: Mechanotransduction, Extracellular Matrix, Immunomodulation The lab investigates crosstalk between extracellular microenvironment, immune regulation, and mechanical forces in tissue repair outcomes. Recent publications emphasize: Shear stress effects on endothelial/macrophage responses Role of IL-10 in fibroblast signaling 3D modeling of congenital heart defects Nutritional optimization in neonatal ECMO Fetal surgical techniques for lung malformations Dr. Keswani mentors Emily Steen and collaborates with Swathi Balaji . His team develops novel in vitro systems and computational models for congenital anomalies.

Luca Maria ZanoliView profile

Associate Professor

• Nephrology
• Hypertension
• Vascular Function
• +4 more

Luca Maria Zanoli is an Associate Professor of Nephrology at the University of Catania's Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, based at Policlinico di Catania. He holds an MD and PhD in Hypertension, and is a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology (FASN). His research focuses on vascular and renal pathophysiology. Research Interests: His work investigates hypertension mechanisms, arterial stiffness, endothelial function, and cardiorenal interactions, with particular expertise in echotracking technology and glomerular filtration assessment in chronic kidney disease. Awards & Recognition: Principal Investigator of Italian Ministry of Health-funded project on arterial function in IBD Long-term Fellowship from ERA-EDTA (2010-2012) Multiple bursaries from Artery Society (2012, 2013) Accommodation grants from European Society of Hypertension (2012, 2013) Four Best Abstract awards at ERA-EDTA congresses (2008-2012) Clinical epidemiology training grants from Italian Society of Nephrology (2008, 2009) He serves on editorial boards of several nephrology and cardiology journals and has authored 81 publications with a cumulative impact factor of 283.

Eric Belin de ChantemeleView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Endothelial Dysfunction
• +5 more

Eric Belin de Chantemele is a Regents' Professor at the Medical College of Georgia , Augusta University, with joint appointments in the Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology . Holding a Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Science from Université Lyon I, his research focuses on the interplay between metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, HIV) and cardiovascular disease , particularly the role of leptin in vascular dysfunction and hypertension. His work emphasizes sex-specific mechanisms , showing how leptin and progesterone interact through mineralocorticoid receptors to drive disease in females. He has led studies on NADPH oxidase 1 , CCR5 inhibition , and endothelial NOX1-PPARγ pathways . Recent publications include investigations into antiretroviral therapy-induced vascular injury and leptin replacement in lipodystrophy . Scientific Awards : Distinguished Mentor Award (2023) Charles Bates Research Award (2023) Henry Pickering Bowditch Award (2020) Established Investigator Award, AHA (2019) Faculty Senate Award for Young Outstanding Basic Science Faculty (2016) He chairs committees at the Vascular Biology Center and serves on editorial boards. His 15 most recent articles span topics from HIV-cardiovascular interactions to oxidative stress in metabolic disease , with keywords in diabetes, hypertension, sex differences, and HIV .

Lin GanView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +4 more

Lin Gan is a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia , with appointments in the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy and the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine . His research focuses on gene regulation, retinal and inner ear development, and translational applications of mouse models. Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1992 B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan University, 1985 Dr. Gan's work explores the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation, synaptic connectivity, and disease models in the retina and cochlea. His expertise spans CRISPR-Cas9 technology, transcription factor networks, and developmental genetics. Recent publications highlight his contributions to gene editing (prime editing), retinal degeneration (keratoconus models), and neurodevelopmental processes (Lhx, Pou4f1, Isl1 gene interactions). Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Neuroscience , reflecting his leadership in neuroscience and regenerative medicine.

Rudolf LucasView profile

Professor

• Acute Lung Injury
• Inflammation
• Endothelial Biology
• +7 more

Rudolf Lucas is a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia within Augusta University , holding dual appointments in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Department of Medicine: Pulmonary . His career spans institutions including the University of Konstanz, Germany, and the University of Applied Sciences, Krems, Austria. Education: Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1993 Key Research Areas: Acute Lung Injury (ARDS), inflammation, endothelial biology, cytokine signaling, and vascular complications in diabetes/obesity and COVID-19. His work focuses on the TIP peptide (Solnatide), which activates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC-α) to improve lung barrier function and fluid clearance in bacterial/viral pneumonia. This research has progressed to clinical trials for ARDS and received orphan drug designations for lung transplantation and high-altitude pulmonary edema. He also investigates the role of GHRH receptors in diabetes-associated dyslipidemia, collaborating with Nobel laureate Andrew Schally. His publications span immunology , pulmonary medicine , and vascular biology , with recent studies on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, pneumococcal hydrogen peroxide, and ENaC-α mechanisms. Awards include the Distinguished Researcher Award (2018) and Life Saver Award (2019). Honors: Distinguished Service Award, The Graduate School, 2019 Life Saver Award, CSRA American Heart Association, 2019 Distinguished Researcher Award, Augusta University Research Institute, 2018 Service: Chair, VBC Postdoctoral Evaluation Committee (2024) Member, Stem Cell Committee (2022–Present) Associate Editor, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (2022–Present) External Grant Reviewer, NIH, DFG, and Medical Research Council UK He leads the Vascular Biology Center laboratory and collaborates with teams across Europe and the U.S., including Prof. Zeitlinger (Vienna) and Andrew Schally (Miami). His teaching includes courses like MEDI 6220 (Cardiopulmonary/Heme) and VBIO 8020 (Vascular Biology).

• Actin Dynamics
• Cell Migration
• Cytoskeleton Regulation
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Klemens Rottner is a leading cell biologist at the Institute for Zoology (Technische Universität Braunschweig) and head of the Molecular Cell Biology research group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) . With a career spanning institutions like the University of Bonn and the former GBF Braunschweig, he specializes in actin dynamics, cell migration, and host-pathogen interactions. His work bridges fundamental cytoskeletal mechanisms with applications in cancer, neurodegeneration, and bacterial infections.

• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Immunology
• Hereditary Angioedema
• +3 more

Laurence Bouillet is a Professor at Université Grenoble Alpes with expertise in Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology. She directs doctoral theses and serves on academic juries, specializing in hereditary angioedema, autoimmune disorders, and vascular biology. Her clinical work focuses on inflammatory conditions and rare diseases. Her research explores bradykinin-mediated angioedema, SARS-CoV-2 endothelialitis mechanisms, and autoimmune triggers in viral infections. She investigates molecular pathways like VE-cadherin cleavage in COVID-19 and develops clinical guidelines for angioedema management. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on vascular permeability disorders and immune dysregulation. Recent work examines pandemic impacts on chronic urticaria management, hematopoietic stem cell therapies, and thrombotic microangiopathies. Longitudinal studies include the Icatibant Outcome Survey tracking hereditary angioedema treatments over 10 years. As thesis director, she mentors doctoral candidates in clinical immunology and internal medicine. Her trainees investigate angioedema biomarkers, Behçet's disease mechanisms, and vaccination protocols for immunocompromised patients.

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Dry Eye Disease
• Vision Science
• +5 more

Shruti Sharma serves as an Associate Professor at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, holding joint appointments in the Department of Ophthalmology, the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, the Culver Vision Discovery Institute, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her interdisciplinary research bridges genomic medicine, vision science, and metabolic disorders to address critical challenges in ocular pathology. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Botany/Plant Biology, University of Lucknow (2001) M.S. in Botany/Plant Biology, University of Lucknow (1995) B.S. in Botany/Plant Biology, University of Lucknow (1992) Dr. Sharma's research program centers on diabetic retinopathy and dry eye disease pathogenesis, with deep investigation into IL-6 signaling pathways, oxidative stress mechanisms, and inflammatory processes in retinal endothelial cells and ocular surface tissues. She employs molecular, proteomic, and animal model approaches to identify therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for vision-threatening conditions. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on molecular mechanisms of diabetic complications in the eye, with significant contributions to understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal cells, complement system involvement in glaucoma, and microRNA biomarkers in tear film. Her work consistently integrates genomic medicine principles with translational ophthalmology to address unmet clinical needs. As an educator, Dr. Sharma teaches graduate courses including Investigation of a Problem in Genomic Medicine (GNMD 9210), Research in Genomic Medicine (GNMD 9300), Genomic Medicine Seminar (GNMD 8060), and Functional Genomics and Proteomics Using Animal Models (GNMD 8052), mentoring future genomic medicine researchers in diabetes and vision science applications. Her laboratory operates within the Culver Vision Discovery Institute infrastructure, leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations across the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine to advance discovery from bench to bedside in vision-threatening diseases.

David SteppView profile

Professor

• Physiology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Metabolic Disorders
• +3 more

Dr. David Stepp is a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, where he serves as Associate Dean for Research and holds the Charbonnier Chair for Physiology. His research focuses on understanding the mechanistic links between obesity and cardiovascular/metabolic dysfunction, with an emphasis on breaking the pathogenic connection between excess weight and adverse health outcomes. Ph.D. in Physiology from University of Pennsylvania (1993) B.S. in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of South Carolina (1988) His laboratory investigates how metabolic/endocrine abnormalities in obesity drive cardiovascular disease, focusing on the glucose-NOS/NOX axis, nitric oxide bioavailability, and oxidative stress pathways. Recent work explores circadian rhythm disruption, hepatic steatosis, and endothelial barrier dysfunction in obesity models. Dr. Stepp has published seminal work on obesity-induced microvascular circadian disruption (2022), Cav-1 protection against pneumolysin-induced vascular injury (2022), and nobiletin's therapeutic effects on circadian rhythm restoration (2022). His research spans obesity-related cardiovascular disease mechanisms, metabolic syndrome, and health disparities. Outstanding Faculty Award (2020) Exemplary Teaching Award (2018, 2011) Virendra Mahesh Distinguished Research Award (2010) Dr. Stepp serves on editorial review boards for major journals including Circulation Research, Basic Research in Cardiology, and Frontiers in Oxidant Physiology. He teaches courses in vascular biology, cardiovascular research methods, and scientific grant writing.

Jay MaherView profile

Professor

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• High-Risk Pregnancy
• Prenatal Diagnosis
• +9 more

Jay Maher is a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, where he serves in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a specialization in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He is actively involved in clinical care, teaching, and research related to high-risk pregnancies and fetal medicine. Education: MSHA in Health/Health Care Administration, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 2021 MD in Medicine, Augusta University (Medical College of Georgia), 1987 BS in Chemistry, University of North Georgia, 1982 Dr. Maher specializes in the management of complex pregnancies, with expertise in prenatal diagnosis, fetal interventions, targeted and genetic ultrasound, and surgical procedures such as cervical and abdominal cerclage. His research interests include placental pathology, vascular dysfunction in pregnancy, and maternal mortality, especially in the context of public health policy in Georgia. His recent scholarly work (2023–2024) spans topics including cardio-obstetrics, genetic-phenotypic discordance, sirenomelia in diabetic pregnancies, and placental histology in cervical funneling. These publications reflect a strong focus on translational and clinical research in maternal-fetal health, particularly conditions contributing to severe maternal morbidity. Professional Service: Committee Member, Augusta Tech Sonography Advisory Committee (2022–Present) Committee Member, State of Texas Maternal Mortality Review Task Force (2013–2021) Dr. Maher contributes to medical education through teaching core and advanced courses in obstetrics and gynecology, including ROBG 5000, OBGN 5000, OBGN 5009, and OBGN 5005. He has no listed scientific awards or student advisees in the provided information.

Champa WoodhamView profile

Professor

• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• +5 more

Champa Woodham is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Georgia, specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Her clinical expertise spans high-risk pregnancies, prenatal diagnostics, and perinatal care. She holds an MD from Emory University (2005) and a BS in Biology from the same institution (2001). Education: MD, Medicine - Emory University, 2005 BS, Biology/Biological Sciences - Emory University, 2001 Her research focuses on maternal-fetal interactions, including preeclampsia biomarkers, infectious complications, and vascular dysfunction in pregnancy. Recent work explores metabolomics for early preeclampsia prediction and placental angiogenic factors like soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1. Scientific Awards: SRI President’s Presenter’s Award (2025) Georgia Trend’s Top Doctors (2023) ACOG Excellence in Resident Education Awards (2023, 2021) ACOG District IV Young Physician Award (2018) Woodham actively serves on clinical competency committees, residency education panels, and strategic planning teams. She contributes to journals as a reviewer and participates in community maternal health outreach.