معرفی
Dr. Gary K. Owens is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology. He serves as Director of the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center and leads groundbreaking research on vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) dynamics in atherosclerosis. His work challenges conventional paradigms about SMC roles in plaque stability and thromboembolic events.
- Primary Affiliation: University of Virginia
- Key Titles: Robert M. Beirne Professor of Cardiovascular Research, Professor, Director of CVRC
Research Themes include:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis
- Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity
- Epigenetic Regulation
- Inflammatory Signaling
- Tumor Metastasis Mechanisms
Publication Trends (2015–2024) reveal expertise in Nature Medicine and Circulation studies, focusing on SMC gene regulation (Klf4/Oct4), plaque stability, and cross-talk between vascular cells and tumors. His work demonstrates that SMCs account for >80% of advanced lesion cells and that Klf4 inhibition reduces metastasis by >70%.
Lab Leadership includes mentoring PhD students Anita Salamon and Victoria Milosek, alongside senior scientists and postdocs. Collaborations span with Dr. Gwen Randolph (Washington University) and Dr. Rosey Kaplan (NIH) on IL1β signaling and metastasis.
