Yuan Laboratory Overview
The Yuan Laboratory is dedicated to advancing understanding in cardiopulmonary and vascular pathobiology through translational research. We translate bench research into mouse experiments to develop drugs for clinical trials, focusing on ion channel electrophysiology, pulmonary vascular disease mechanisms, and targeted therapies for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Collaborating closely with clinicians, researchers, and industry partners, including physicians and surgeons at Shands Hospital, we swiftly translate findings into potential therapies. This collaborative effort enhances our impact in pulmonary vascular disease research, employing state-of-the-art techniques to uncover complexities. Through rigorous investigation of ion channels, receptors, and signaling pathways, we aim to redefine treatment paradigms and alleviate the burden of pulmonary hypertension, including PAH. Our goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies, translating research into clinical applications to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
Research Techniques: Our research employs a multidisciplinary approach integrating cutting-edge methodologies. One of our key techniques involves culturing cells derived from surgically removed human tissues.
- Patch Clamp Technique: For precise measurement of ion channel currents, crucial for understanding electrophysiological properties.
- Digital Imaging Fluorescence Microscopy: Enables visualization and analysis of cellular dynamics and interactions at a molecular level.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Techniques: Including cell culture, gene expression analysis, and protein characterization to explore cellular mechanisms.
- Genetic and Genomic Analyses: To identify genetic factors and pathways contributing to pulmonary vascular diseases.
Key Research Areas:
- Ion Channels: Specifically potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) channels, crucial for regulating vasomotor tone and cellular responses in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells.
- Membrane Receptors: Such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR), as well as Notch receptors, involved in signaling pathways that impact vascular function and pathology.
- Intracellular Calcium Signaling: Investigating its role in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, relaxation, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis, all of which are pivotal in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.
