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Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D.Interim Dean
Cardiovascular research conducted by Dr. Michelle A. Clark and her research team at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Pharmacy is focused on delineating the molecular pathways that are involved in blood pressure control. This research encompasses pharmacology and neuroscience, specifically determining the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the control of hypertension and other types of cardiovascular diseases. This interest is addressed by studying receptors for angiotensin peptides, the intracellular mechanisms that respond to receptor activation, and the cellular processes that are evoked by intracellular signaling molecules. Further, the interaction of the RAS with other systems is also explored.
Primary focus is on using transgenic rat models of hypertension to determine some of the responses that govern the development of hypertension in rat models. Research techniques involve using primary cultured brain cells (astrocytes and neurons) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to determine the responses of angiotensin peptides in rat models. The major focus is on the molecular pathways that can be dysregulated in hypertension, and to elucidate targets that can be perturbed to identify causes of the disease. An understanding of the processes that are different in these hypertensive models will provide insight into the pathology and treatment of hypertension as well as other pathologies.
From left to right: Shmuel Negussie, Waad Samman, Michelle Clark, Ann Tenneil O’Connor, Michael Dressler
Dr. Ann Tenneil O'Connor; Ph.D. in Environmental Biology from University of the West Indies, Jamaica, West Indies. Researches the interaction of the Ang AT1 Receptor (AT1R) and the Dopamine (D4) Receptor in primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons.
Waad Samman; Ph.D. candidate. Researches Ang(1-7) on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs).
Michael Dressler; Laboratory Research Assistant. Manages laboratory operations for Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, provides training to students, laboratory equipment technician.
Dr. Dhanush Haspula
Dissertation Title: Pathophysiological Relevance of Astroglial Angiotensin and the Endocannabinoid Signaling Systems in SHRs
Current Location: Post-doctoral Fellow at University of Wisconsin in the laboratory of Brian Hoffmann, Assistant Professor at Medical College of Wisconsin in the Biomedical Engineering Department.
Dr. Ahmed Alanazi
Dissertation Title: The Proliferative and Proinflammatory Roles of Angiotensin III in Wistar and SHR Cultured VSMCs
Current Location: Assistant Professor at King Saud University, College of Pharmacy, in Saudi Arabia.