Berk Lab

Dr. Berk's laboratory has focused on defining the mechanisms by which cells in the vascular wall respond to hemodynamic and hormonal stimuli. In particular the laboratory has studied the role of protein kinases as mediators of signal transduction in the vasculature. The four major research projects ongoing in the laboratory include 1) Mechanisms by which blood vessels sense changes in blood flow and modulate vessel size and tone. Using cultured endothelial cells and models of altered blood flow; signal transduction events that confer atheroprotection in the setting of steady laminar flow are being investigated. The goal is to characterize novel biomechanical sensing molecules. 2) The cellular mechanisms that cause hypertension are being investigated by analysis of the role of the renin angiotensin system and the kinases that regulate intracellular sodium. The regulation of smooth muscle cell growth by angiotensin II is focused on the activation of intracellular kinases and phosphatases by the angiotensin II receptor function are being studied to provide insight into the ways that antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and E work to prevent ischemic heart disease. 4) A genetic model of vascular remodeling in the rat has been established. A carotid flow reduction model has been characterized and is being used to identify genes responsible for impaired flow-dependent remodeling by positional cloning in inbred strains of rats.