David J Durgan

David J Durgan, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Integrative Physiology & Anesthesiology. His research focuses on the role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension and stroke, using rodent models and omics approaches. He holds a PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2011), an MS from California Polytechnic State University (2005), and a BS from the University of Wyoming (2000).

Research interests include mechanisms linking gut microbiota to blood pressure regulation, neurovascular dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea, and microbiome influences on cerebrovascular health. Key findings include microbiota restructuring via intermittent fasting lowering blood pressure and microbiome contributions to blood-brain barrier disruption in hypertensive rats.

Notable publications highlight microbiota-mediated pathways in hypertension, stroke pathology, and age-related cognitive decline. His work integrates multi-omics and in vitro assays to dissect host-microbiota communication. Laboratory facilities include BCM 307/315B.