Iruela-Arispe Lab
Principal Investigator: M. Luisa Iruela-Arispe
Institution: Northwestern University (Chicago, IL)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: ✅ Hiring Postdocs
Research Focus
SUMMARY In adults, the generation of new blood vessels is confined to capillaries, where it facilitates tissue growth, remodeling and repair. De novo expansion of the microvascular network occurs through active proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. In contrast, endothelial proliferation in adult large blood vessels, such as arteries, is thought to be rare, except for responses to trauma. We have shown that endothelial injury following physical trauma to the aorta triggers a rapid proliferative response leading to the prompt repair of the inner vascular lining, known as the endothelium. Our preliminary findings indicate that, in addition to physical trauma, chronic inflammation can lead to the demise of endothelial cells in large vessels. We further found that endothelial cell death was associated with a concurrent induction of proliferation, providing a balance between cell loss and renewal that ensures continuity of the endothelial barrier. However, this proliferative response is impaired in aging, creating a deficit in endothelial coverage that results in the deposition of fibrin. These results suggest a previously unrecognized deterioration in the ability of large ve…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R01HL178787-02: Vascular Proliferative Resilience (2026)
- 4R01CA279689-03: Rewiring Cancer-Induced Abnormalities in the Vascular Barrier (2026)
- 5R01HL175575-03: Endothelial RASOpathies and Vascular Malformations (2026)
- 5R01HL175575-02: Endothelial RASOpathies and Vascular Malformations (2025)
- 1R01HL178787-01: Vascular Proliferative Resilience (2025)
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