Overview
The Kontos Lab studies the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Studies are directed toward understanding how signal transduction by endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs) regulates vascular growth in both physiological and pathological processes, including exercise, peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerosis, and cancer.
Current projects include:
1. Signal transduction, mechanisms of activation, and downregulation of endothelial RTKs (mainly Tie1, Tie2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2)
2. Differential effects of the Angiopoietins
3. Role of the inositol phosphatase PTEN in the regulation of vascular cell growth and remodeling
4. PTEN gene therapy for prevention of vein graft disease
5. Angiogenic signaling in skeletal muscle, including mechanisms of exercise-induced angiogenesis
6. Proteolytic cleavage and shedding of endothelial RTKs
7. Angiogenic proteins as biomarkers in peripheral artery disease
Current projects include:
1. Signal transduction, mechanisms of activation, and downregulation of endothelial RTKs (mainly Tie1, Tie2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2)
2. Differential effects of the Angiopoietins
3. Role of the inositol phosphatase PTEN in the regulation of vascular cell growth and remodeling
4. PTEN gene therapy for prevention of vein graft disease
5. Angiogenic signaling in skeletal muscle, including mechanisms of exercise-induced angiogenesis
6. Proteolytic cleavage and shedding of endothelial RTKs
7. Angiogenic proteins as biomarkers in peripheral artery disease
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Medicine
·
2017 - Present
Medicine, Cardiology,
Medicine
Director, Medical Scientist Training Program
·
2009 - Present
Medicine, Cardiology,
Medicine
Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
·
2017 - Present
Pharmacology & Cancer Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1993 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Is it time to reduce the length of postgraduate training for physician-scientists in internal medicine?
Journal Article JCI Insight · May 22, 2024 Physician-scientists play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and patient care, yet the long periods of time required to complete training may impede expansion of this workforce. We examined the relationship between postgraduate training and time ... Full text Link to item CiteSkeletal muscle regeneration failure in ischemic-damaged limbs is associated with pro-inflammatory macrophages and premature differentiation of satellite cells.
Journal Article Genome Med · November 10, 2023 BACKGROUND: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), a severe manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is associated with a 1-year limb amputation rate of approximately 15-20% and substantial mortality. A key feature of CLTI is the compromised ... Full text Link to item CiteStructural insights into the career path between pre- and postgraduate physician-scientist training programs.
Journal Article Elife · October 2, 2023 The growing complexities of clinical medicine and biomedical research have clouded the career path for physician-scientists. In this perspective piece, we address one of the most opaque career stage transitions along the physician-scientist career path, th ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) - NHLBI
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2018 - 2028Determining the Role of Spp1+ Macrophages in Muscle Regeneration in Peripheral Arterial Disease
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2027Staphylococcus aureus Cardiac Device Infections - From the Vascular Viewpoint (K23)
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Virginia Commonwealth University ·
1989
M.D.