Project 1: VEGF-D, a key lymphangiogenic factor regulates nociception and neuroprotection during lymphangiogenesis and stress.

• Analyzed the effect of VEGF-D onthe distribution and function of the sympathetic networks in adipose tissue through volume imaging and catecholamine assessment.
• Assessed the neuroprotective effects of VEGF-D using hiPSC derived neuron model by characterizing excitotoxic markers, glutamatergic pathway assessment and sholl.
• Quantified peripheral nociception relay to the dorsal root ganglia following tissue lesion in Adipo-VD mice

Project 2: Characterizing Adipose tissue Lymphangiogenesis and Inflammation in Response to VEGF-D.

• Analyzed the effect of VEGF-D induced de novo adipose lymphangiogenesis on improving metabolism and immune cell accumulation in obese transgenic Adipo-VD mice.
• Assessed the interplay between increased adipose tissue growth on lymphatic density and distribution
• Performed sex and diet-based time-course assessment of adipose inflammation and immune cell accumulation upon lymphvasculogenesis.

Characterize the role of Glun2B receptor in RAS-MAPK pathway regulation in NF1

• Investigated the role of GluN2B subunit receptor mobility to modulate synaptic calcium flux and changes in Ras-MAPK pathway in neurofibromatosis type 1.
• Used confocal microscopy and Localize to trace GluN2B receptor localization across a surface of a synapse.

• Assisted post-docs in formulation of perflubron based biopolymer scaffolds for liver transplantation therapies and mesenchymal stem cell delivery for injured liver models in mice.