Mission Statement:
Translating our discoveries in the endothelium to human physiology and disease
The Lee Lab utilizes a combination of high-content screening together with modern in vitro and in vivo techniques to strategically investigative how modulation of endothelial Akt1 activity affects downstream cellular functions in relation to vascular development and remodeling. We are currently focused on how endothelial Akt1 activity influences atherosclerotic disease progression with additional interest in novel downstream effectors of Akt. Given the vast size of the endothelium and the importance of a healthy vasculature in all organ systems, a more detailed understanding of a major signaling pathway from a cell-specific perspective will enhance our current understanding of blood vessel functionality.
We are a highly collaborative, enthusiastic team of scientists driven by scientific curiosity and a quest for knowledge. We aim to discover new biological processes to contribute to our overall understanding of human health and disease.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining!
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells stained for actin (green-phallodin), mitochondria (red-MitoTracker), and nuclei (blue-DAPI)
Mouse retinal vasculature stained for endothelium (red-isoB4), pericytes (green-NG2), and proliferation (cyan-PH3)
Mouse brachiocephalic artery stained for lipids post-Western Diet feeding (Oil Red O)