Fabeha Fazal, Ph.D.

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Dr. Fazal's research focuses on the expression of endothelial adhesiveness, resulting in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) adhesion and sequestration, a critical event in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. The pro-coagulant thrombin, a serine protease released during intravascular coagulation initiated by tissue injury and sepsis, is an important mediator of PMN adhesion by virtue of inducing the endothelial cell surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) via an NF-?B-dependent pathway. Interaction of ICAM-1 with its counter receptor, ?2-integrins, enables PMN to adhere firmly and stably to the vascular endothelium and to migrate across the endothelial barrier. PMN trafficking by this mechanism in pulmonary tissue and air spaces contribute to the development of lung vascular injury and tissue edema associated with various inflammatory disease states including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite the appreciation of the key role of ICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, little is known about the mechanisms by which thrombin promotes ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells. The focus of her research is to address the role of actin cytoskeleton in regulating thrombin-induced NF-?B activation and ICAM-1 in endothelial cells and to determine the contribution of ICAM-1 in the mechanism of lung PMN sequestration and PMN-dependent lung vascular injury associated with intravascular coagulation. This work is funded by the American Lung Association.

Specialty

Neonatology

Current Appointments

• Research Assistant Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD)