Maniselvan Kuppusamy, Ph.D.

Vascular inflammation in obesity and lung injury

Endothelial signaling microdomains precisely regulate vascular homeostasis. However, the mechanism by which the abnormalities at these microdomains increase vascular tone and permeability is poorly understood. My work has defined a novel paracrine signaling mechanism in which smooth muscle-derived TNF activates TNF receptors on neighboring endothelial cells, suppressing endothelial Ca²⁺ signals and elevating blood pressure. Additionally, we identify a Mineralocorticoid Receptor-dependent mechanism that drives hyperactivation of endothelial Ca²⁺ signals, leading to lung edema, immune cell infiltration, and lung injury. Together, these findings uncover new signaling abnormalities within endothelial microdomains that contribute to increased vascular tone and permeability in cardiovascular disorders.

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 Senior Research Scientist, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center