Jian Li Laboratory
Jian Li, PhD
Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular Division
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
3 Blackfan Circle, E/CLS #909
Boston MA 02215
Tel: 617-735-4231
Fax: 617-735-4207
e-mail:
jli@bidmc.harvard.edu
Research Interests:
The focus of my laboratory is investigating the molecular mechanism of angiogenesis in the setting of ischemic cardiovascular disease. This could potentially be very significant for providing a new blood supply to otherwise ischemic tissues. Multiple stimulatory and inhibitory signals are involved in regulation of new vessels growth. Among these are the effects of angiogenic signaling, we are particularly focused on three principal areas in this field: the mechanisms of transcriptional signaling in endothelial cells; effect of hyperglycemia in endothelial dysfunction; and communication between endothelium and myocardium in terms of angiogenesis and cardiovascular illness. We have identified a transcriptional factor, termed related transcriptional enhance factor (RTEF-1) in regulation angiogenesis factors in endothelial cells. RTEF-1 is expressed in both cardiac myocyte and endothelial cell, and is regulated by hypoxia. We are currently delineating the responsible regulatory DNA elements in RTEF-1's target genes. We have also identified the novel hypoxia inducible genes in endothelial cells for delivering these genes's biologically activity in angiogenesis. To study the mechanism of hyperglycemia-related endothelial dysfunction, we focus on the role of IAP and survivin with their transcriptional regulation and their binding proteins.
Highlighted Recent Publications:
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Li J, Post M, Volk R, Gao Y, Li M, Metais C, Sato K, Tsai J, Aird W, Rosenberg RD and Simons M. (2000) PR-39, a peptide regulator of angiogenesis. Nature Medicine. 2000, 49-55.
- Wu, JP, Parungo C, Wu GF, Kang PM, Laham RJ, Sellke FW, Simons M and
Li J. (2004) PR39 Inhibits Apoptosis in Hypoxic Endothelial Cells-Role of Inhibitor Apoptosis Protein-2. Circulation 109(13): 1660-7.
- Shie JL, Wu GF, Wu JP, Liu FF, Laham RJ, Oettgen P and
Li J. (2004) RTEF-1, a Novel Transcriptional Stimulator of VEGF in Hypoxic Endothelial Cells. J. Bio. Chem. 279 (24): 25010-6.
- Wu GF, Luo JC, Rana J S. Sellke FW, and
Li J. (2006) Involvement of COX-2 in VEGF-induced angiogenesis via P38 and JNK pathways in vascular endothelial cells. Cardiovasc. Res. 69: 512-519.
- Gan Q, Yoshida T,
Li J and Owens GK (2007) Smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts use distinct transcriptional mechanisms for smooth muscle alpha-actin expression. Circ Res. Oct 101(9): 883-92.