Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems Development, Functions and Diseases
Precise spatial and temporal interactions between molecules and cells are required
for the development of tissues and organs within the cardiovascular and pulmonary
systems. Regulation of flow through blood vessels is necessary for providing tissues
with nutrients and oxygen. Disruption of these regulatory mechanisms causes congenital
defects and diseases that subsequently impact normal organ function. A pathologic
consequence of inadequate perfusion is tissue and organ ischemia that leads to fibrosis.
PCOM faculty study the development and functions of the cardiovascular and pulmonary
systems with the goal of elucidating therapeutic interventions that may prevent and
limit disease.