Dr. Sabah Hussain

I am currently involved in three main areas of research. First, we currently investigating molecular signaling pathways and mechanisms of action of angiogenesis factors in general and angiopoietins and Tie-2 receptors in particular. Current project include identification of transcription factor networks downstream from Tie-2 receptors both in endothelial cells and in cultured skeletal muscle satellite cells. In addition, we are exploring the biological functions of both angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 in regulating cytokine cascade and tissue injury in various models of inflammation including severe sepsis and acute lung injury. To achieve our objective in this area of research we have developed transgenic animal models to over-express angiopoietins selectively in the vasculature. My second area of research is the biological roles of angiopoietins in skeletal muscle regeneration with particular emphasis on ventilatory muscle function. In this regard, we are investigating the effectiveness of gene therapy in which angiopoietins are delivered in vivo in various models of skeletal muscle injury and regeneration including cardiotoxin necrosis model and mdx model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. My third area of research interest is molecular mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle atrophy in general and regulation of autophagy and proteosomal pathways in particular. Current research project include assessing the contribution of autophagic pathway to skeletal muscle protein degradation in human diaphragm during mechanical ventilation.