The Griffin lab is interested in vascular development and maintenance. Our long-term goal is to generate insights that can be exploited for developing therapeutic approaches to combat vascular pathologies. Genetic mouse models are a cornerstone of the lab, and we are currently using such models—coupled with human cells and tissues—to study roles for ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes, protease-activated receptors, and the intracellular kinase RIPK3 in endothelial cells. We are also fascinated by the understudied process of capillary regression, and we are doing pioneering work to define triggers, molecular effectors, and consequences of this process in eyes, kidneys, and hearts. We hope to leverage these discoveries to block pathological vascular regression, which drives ischemic tissue damage in these and additional organs under numerous disease contexts.
We are fortunate to work in a stimulating intellectual environment within the Cardiovascular Biology Research Program at OMRF. The Program is comprised of ten labs, which all investigate various aspects of blood and vascular biology, and our interactions with our colleagues in the Program enriches our research.