Key avenues of research in our lab.

Predictive enrichment:

Whole blood peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and circulating endothelial cell (cEC) gene-expression signatures to determine in vivo responses in human sepsis. Molecular targets identified are subject to rigorous hypotheses testing. Further differentially expressed genes are used to identify patient subclasses or endotypes, who may be uniquely susceptible to targeted therapeutic intervention.

Prognostic enrichment:

Translational studies focused on use of leukocyte and endothelial derived biomarkers to facilitate risk-stratification among critically ill patients. Early identification of patients at the highest risk of adverse clinical outcomes including death and multiple organ dysfunctions may facilitate enrichment in future clinical trials of sepsis therapeutics.

Pediatric specific disease mechanisms:

Our laboratory is interested in unraveling the developmental differences in the host response to sepsis to identify novel sepsis therapies specific to children. We are currently focused on elucidating the role of PCSK9-LDLR pathway, key regulators of lipoprotein metabolism, in the pediatric host response to sepsis. Our data indicate an important role in maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Leveraging this biological paradox, may lead to development of pediatric specific therapies.