We have shown that expression of transforming growth factor - beta (TGF-b) gene is regulated by hypoxia in human endothelial cells. The effort in the laboratory is concentrated on determining the underlying molecular mechanisms of this transcriptional regulation. The second area of investigation is the mechanism of hypoxia-induced signal transduction. We have identified smad 2, 3 and 4 proteins as mediators of hypoxia-induced gene expression. Interaction of this pathway with other signal transducing pathways is being investigated.
The role of TGF-b in central nervous system is being explored by determining the relationship between TGF-b and hypophyseal pituitary axis (HPA) in non-human primates; and by determining TGF-b gene expression in the brain in rats induced to develop status epilepticus.
Funded by the American Heart Association.
SELECTED RECENT PUBLICATIONS
1. Batuman OA, Go D, Clark LT, Clements P, Feit A, Lederer D, and Smith E: Transforming growth factor-b1 and severity of coronary artery disease in an inner-city population of women. (In Press: Heart Disease for publication in Mar-Apr 2001).
2. Cooper B, Panetta T, Ramirez J, and Batuman OA: Localization and temporal distribution of transforming growth factor-b1 during development of initial hyperplasia in a rat vein graft model. (Submitted to the Journal of Vascular Surgery).
3. Smith E, Batuman O, Trost R, Coplan J, and Rosenblum L: Correlation between circulating cortisol and transforming growth factor-b1 levels in differentially reared primates. (Submitted to Brain, Behavior, and Immunity).
List of Publications (Pub Med)
* Holds primary appointment in other department.