Our Mission
Our mission is to understand mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease pathogenesis and progression and restore mitochondrial function through cellular engineering and nanotechnology-inspired strategies
Our Research
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of numerous diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our laboratory strives for a deeper understanding of mechanisms driving aberrant bioenergetics and mitochondrial dynamics in disease, and ultimately, the development of innovative therapies capable of restoring mitochondrial function. Our research has traditionally involved local and systemic, nanotherapeutic-based drug and gene delivery. In close collaboration with clinicians at the Houston Methodist Hospital, we’ve also identified unmet clinical needs that can potentially benefit from nano-inspired approaches. Examples include: 1) the need for site-specific, sustained drug/gene delivery to the myocardium; and 2) the need for increased navigational accuracy and reduced toxicity during catheterization procedures.