Katalin Modis

Katalin Modis, PhD is Division Chief of Surgical Sciences and Associate Professor (Research Track) in the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Medicine. She maintains an active research program focused on hydrogen sulfide signaling pathways and their role in various physiological and pathological processes.

Her primary research interests include:

• Hydrogen Sulfide biology and signaling
• Bioenergetics and cellular metabolism
• Cystathionine and cystathionine synthase pathways
• 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase function
• Angiogenesis and vascular biology
• Colitis-associated carcinogenesis

Dr. Modis's research spans multiple disciplines including molecular biology, gastroenterology, vascular biology, and cancer research. Her work has particularly focused on the role of hydrogen sulfide and related enzymes in inflammatory processes, endothelial function, and tumor development. Recent publications demonstrate her expanding interest in the intersection of these pathways with viral pathogenesis, particularly related to SARS-CoV-2 and endothelial barrier function.

She has secured multiple significant research grants including:

• The Function of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in tumor angiogenesis (American Cancer Society)
• Oncogenic role of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in endothelial cells of tumor microenvironment (Department of Defense)
• Regulation of angiogenesis by the 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase / hydrogen sulfide axis (American Heart Association)