Overview
Dr. Gerecht is an internationally recognized pioneer in stem cells and vascular biology and engineering. Gerecht’s research group studies how the microenvironment regulates cellular responses, with the long-term goal of developing countermeasures and therapeutics. We emulate mechanical and physical stressors toward understanding tissue function, reliance, and homeostasis. We use that information to uncover pathways in injury and disease development to guide tissue healing and regeneration. We focus on blood vessels and their multifaceted roles in tissue performance, aging, and disease.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Paul M. Gross Distinguished Professor
·
2022 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2022 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering
·
2024 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2022 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
CaMKK2 Regulates Macrophage Polarization Induced by Matrix Stiffness: Implications for Shaping the Immune Response in Stiffened Tissues.
Journal Article Adv Sci (Weinh) · March 4, 2025 Macrophages are essential for immune responses and maintaining tissue homeostasis, exhibiting a wide range of phenotypes depending on their microenvironment. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a vital component that provides structural support and organizat ... Full text Link to item CiteEngineering the Microstructure and Spatial Bioactivity of MAP Scaffolds Instructs Vasculogenesis In Vitro and Modifies Vessel Formation In Vivo
Journal Article Advanced Functional Materials · January 15, 2025 In tissues where the vasculature is either lacking or abnormal, biomaterials can be designed to promote vessel formation and enhance tissue repair. In this work, the microstructure and bioactivity of microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds are indepe ... Full text CiteAcute Three-Dimensional Hypoxia Regulates Angiogenesis.
Journal Article Advanced healthcare materials · January 2025 Hypoxia elicits a multitude of tissue responses depending on the severity and duration of the exposure. While chronic hypoxia is shown to impact development, regeneration, and cancer, the understanding of the threats of acute (i.e., short-term) hypoxia is ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Engineering three-dimensional perfusable microphysiological models of the human inner blood-retina barrier
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Eye Institute · 2024 - 2027University Training Program in Biomolecular and Tissue Engineering
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 1994 - 2027Training Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2001 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Israel Institute of Technology (Israel) ·
2004
Ph.D.