Overview
Our laboratory explores the contribution of the immune system and inflammatory mediators to the progression of target organ damage in the setting of cardiovascular disease. We are pursuing several related projects in this field:
(1) The actions of type 1 angiotensin receptors on specific immune cell populations in hypertension, target organ damage, and tissue fibrosis.
(2) Cell-specific actions of inflammatory cytokines in regulating blood pressure and end-organ injury.
(3) Mechanism through which dendritic cells regulate renal sodium reabsorption.
(4) The contributions of Wnt O-acylation to kidney scar formation.
(1) The actions of type 1 angiotensin receptors on specific immune cell populations in hypertension, target organ damage, and tissue fibrosis.
(2) Cell-specific actions of inflammatory cytokines in regulating blood pressure and end-organ injury.
(3) Mechanism through which dendritic cells regulate renal sodium reabsorption.
(4) The contributions of Wnt O-acylation to kidney scar formation.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Medicine
·
2020 - Present
Medicine, Nephrology,
Medicine
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
1996 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with preclinical hypertension.
Journal Article Sci Rep · November 24, 2025 Inflammation and oxidative stress increase with rising blood pressure. Adults with preclinical hypertension (systolic 120-129 mmHg) have a heightened risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, it remains unclear whether inflammation and o ... Full text Link to item CiteLow-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation to treat renal fibrosis through inhibiting tubular IL-1R.
Journal Article JCI Insight · September 9, 2025 Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) has become increasingly appreciated for its therapeutic effect on kidney diseases. However, its role and biological mechanism in treating chronic kidney disease remain poorly defined. Here, we revealed th ... Full text Link to item CiteTargeting PARylated RACK1/HIF-1α axis: A novel mechanism in acute kidney injury and therapeutic promise.
Journal Article Acta Pharm Sin B · September 2025 Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
TRIO NRSA Training Core-Post Doc Trainee
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2024 - 2028TRIO NRSA Training Core-Pre Doc Trainee
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2028TRIO NRSA Training Core-Post Doc Trainee
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University ·
1996
M.D.