My scientific research is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental mechanisms underlying the formation and progression of cerebrovascular diseases, including brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cerebral aneurysms. These conditions collectively represent a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke among young individuals. In pursuit of this goal, I employ a multidimensional approach that integrates genetics-based mouse models, functional imaging technologies, and the analysis of primary human tissues. My overarching goal is to enhance our comprehension of the cellular and molecular determinants driving disease progression and to pave the way for precision medicine-based therapeutic approaches to treat cerebrovascular diseases.
Research
A Multidimensional Approach to Studying Cerebrovascular Diseases
Next-Generation Mouse Models
Cerebrovascular diseases, including brain arteriovenous malformations, can lead to severe strokes in young adults and children. My goal is to advance our mechanistic understanding of their development, investigating the causes of rupture, and ultimately discovering safe and effective therapeutics to treat these conditions and prevent life-threatening bleeding events.
The Oh laboratory stands at the forefront of groundbreaking research, pioneering genetics-based mouse models that faithfully replicate the complex pathophysiology of human brain arteriovenous malformations. Building on this expertise and leveraging the unique access to my personally developed mouse model, my work involves comprehensive genetic profiling and the rigorous testing of novel drugs. Through these efforts, we aim to expedite drug discovery, bringing innovative solutions from the lab to clinical applications swiftly and effectively.
Unveiling the Cerebrovasculature
I am using advanced imaging techniques to visualize the cerebrovasculature on a functional level. The Iconeus One Ultrasound imaging system brings a new dimension to understanding the cerebrovasculature , providing unparalleled insights into the structural complexities of the brain’s vascular network by offering the ability to quantify cerebral blood flow velocities. This sophisticated feature allows for precise and quantitative assessments, enabling a deeper understanding of blood flow dynamics within the cerebral vessels.
3D Organoid Modeling
Organoids are miniature, 3-dimensional replicas of diseased organs that are cultivated in vitro, mirroring the complexity and functionality of their natural counterparts. At the crossroad of biology and technology, I am leveraging 3D organoid models as a dynamic platform to study the cellular diversity of cerebrovascular diseases and drug responses with unprecedented opportunities. The insights gained from 3D organoid models allow us to bridge the gap between bench and bedside, paving the way for a precision medicine approach by tailoring therapeutics based on individual patient profiles.