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
Promoting vascular stability through Src inhibition and Tie2 activation: A model-based analysis.
Journal Article iScience · June 20, 2025 Dysregulated angiogenesis signaling leads to pathological vascular growth and leakage, and is a hallmark of many diseases including cancer and ocular diseases. In peripheral arterial disease, the concomitant increase in vascular permeability presents signi ... Full text Link to item CiteVascular adhesion molecule 1+ fibro-adipogenic progenitors mark fatty infiltration in chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
Journal Article JVS Vasc Sci · 2025 BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle health and function are critical determinants of clinical outcomes in peripheral arterial disease. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), the most severe clinical manifestation of peripheral arterial disease, is associated wi ... Full text Link to item CiteIs 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 CiteRecent Grants
2/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Stimulating 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 Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2024 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Virginia Commonwealth University ·
1989
M.D.