
The Kontos Lab studies the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Studies are directed toward understanding how signal transduction by endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs) regulates vascular growth in both physiological and pathological processes, including exercise, peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerosis, and cancer.
Current projects include:
1. Signal transduction, mechanisms of activation, and downregulation of endothelial RTKs (mainly Tie1, Tie2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2)
2. Differential effects of the Angiopoietins
3. Role of the inositol phosphatase PTEN in the regulation of vascular cell growth and remodeling
4. PTEN gene therapy for prevention of vein graft disease
5. Angiogenic signaling in skeletal muscle, including mechanisms of exercise-induced angiogenesis
6. Proteolytic cleavage and shedding of endothelial RTKs
7. Angiogenic proteins as biomarkers in peripheral artery disease
Education and Training
- Fellow in Cardiology, Medicine, Duke University, 1993 - 1997
- M.D., Virginia Commonwealth University, 1989
Grants
- Genetic Dissection of Angiogenesis in the Tuberculous Granuloma
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
- Integrated Training in Anesthesiology Research
- Mechanisms Regulating Vascular Homeostasis
- Macrophage-Satellite Cell Interactions in the Ischemic Limb
- Investigating the Metabolic Reprogramming of Ovarian Tumors During Omental Metastasis
- Printed Electronic Biosensors for Point-of-Care Testing of Cardiovascular Biomarkers
- Duke CTSA (TL1) Year 5
- Multidisciplinary Heart and Vascular Diseases
- The Anti-angiogenic VEGF165b and VEGFR1 Signaling in Peripheral Artery Disease
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Duke Training Grant in Nephrology
- Gertrude B. Elion Mentored Medical Student Award
- Gertrude B. Elion Mentored Medical Student Award
- U01 RPPR: Mitigators of Radiation-Induced Endovascular Injury: Targeting Tie2 and Thrombocytopenia