Primary Research:

Our lab investigates the mechanisms of vascular network plasticity in organ growth and regeneration. We study this question in the uniquely regenerative mammalian liver. The liver remarkably recovers its original size and function following physical removal of up to two thirds of its mass, or toxic chemical exposure such as medication overdose that kills half of the liver cells. The vasculature of the liver plays crucial roles in coordinating the regeneration process. Yet, the mechanisms that enable the liver vasculature to recover from such injuries and coordinate regeneration are mostly a black box. We are using mice as a model system to dissect the role of distinct vascular subtypes and endothelial cell populations in re-vascularization and regeneration of the liver. We take genetic lineage-tracing, loss-of-function, and gain-of-function approaches to track and manipulate in vivo endothelial cell behaviors during liver regeneration. Using high-resolution confocal and light sheet microscopy, we visualize organ-level outcomes at single cell resolution. We integrate ex vivo molecular, cell biological, and bio-engineering tools in primary cells to further dissect the molecular mechanisms.

Laboratory web site URL:

azizoglulab.org

Recent Presentations:

2025 Gordon Research Conference for Vascular Cell Biology in Sunday River, MA: Vascular Plasticity in Liver Growth and Regeneration
2024 NIH / NIEHS, Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology seminar series in Durham, NC: Vascularization principles of organ growth and size control
2023 Triangle Regeneration Biology Symposium in Chapel Hill, NC: Vascularization principles of organ growth and size control