معرفی
Masuko Ushio-Fukai is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. She is a prominent researcher in the Vascular Biology Center (VBC), where she serves as Director of the Redox Signaling Program. Her academic appointments include roles in both the Department of Medicine (Cardiology division) and The Graduate School, reflecting her dual commitment to research and education.
Dr. Ushio-Fukai's research focuses on vascular biology with particular emphasis on redox signaling mechanisms in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Her laboratory was among the first to demonstrate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase function as signaling molecules to promote VEGF signaling, angiogenesis, and post-ischemic neovascularization in peripheral arterial disease. She has pioneered research on copper transport proteins in angiogenesis, identifying novel mechanisms by which copper transporters like CTR1 and ATP7A regulate VEGFR2 signaling and endothelial function. Her work bridges basic redox biochemistry with translational applications for treating ischemic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes complications, and atherosclerosis.
Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of redox signaling, endothelial metabolism, and vascular function. Her research has evolved to incorporate cutting-edge approaches including redox proteomics, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic models, and advanced imaging techniques. A consistent theme across her work is the investigation of how specific ROS targets/sensors (particularly sulfenylated proteins) mediate vascular adaptation to ischemia while excess ROS contributes to disease pathogenesis.
- Editorial Review Board Member for Reactive Oxygen Species (2018-Present)
- Editorial Board Member for Antioxidants (2017-Present)
- Editorial Board Member for Atherosclerosis and Vascular Medicine (2016-Present)
- Editorial Board Member for Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2016-Present)
- NIH Reviewer for early career investigators
Dr. Ushio-Fukai actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows through the Vascular Biology Center's educational programs. She serves on multiple committees including the VBC Faculty Search Committee, VBC post-doc evaluation committee, and VBC PhD student Oral Exam committee. Her laboratory has secured significant research funding, including an $11.3 million NIH grant to identify causes of vascular disease. The Vascular Biology Center provides state-of-the-art core facilities that support her research on redox signaling mechanisms in vascular biology.
