The Estrada Lab investigates how the renal microvasculature dictates kidney health and drives the progression of disease.
The kidney's vascular architecture is uniquely complex, comprising three distinct capillary networks: glomerular capillaries, peritubular capillaries, and the vasa recta. Each network relies on endothelial cells with highly specialized structures and functions. When these microvascular endothelial cells become dysfunctional, they can act as drivers for chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and acute kidney injury. Glomerular endothelial cells serve as the primary site of injury for glomerular diseases such as thrombotic microangiopathy.
Our mission is twofold:
- Discover: Investigate the precise molecular mechanisms and specific genes that drive glomerular endothelial injury.
- Innovate: Develop novel transgenic systems, targeted injury models, and advanced cell culture tools to study these distinct capillary beds with improved specificity.
Current Research Areas
1. The Role of PLVAP in Glomerular Injury
We are exploring how re-expression of Plasmalemma Vesicle-Associated Protein (PLVAP) during glomerular endothelial cell injury contributes to the compromise of the glomerular filtration barrier.
2. Novel Genetic Tools for Glomerular Endothelial Targeting
To overcome the challenge of endothelial heterogeneity, we are developing and validating precision genetic tools to study renal microvascular endothelial cells. A primary focus is our novel Ehd3-rtTA Transgenic Mouse model, designed to achieve glomerular endothelial cell-enriched, inducible promoter activity for selective gene modulation in these specialized cells.
3. Models of Inducible, Renal Microvascular Endothelial Cell Ablation
We are establishing murine models capable of both lethal and sublethal targeted ablation of glomerular endothelial cells and peritubular capillary endothelial cells. These systems allow us to study the spectrum of renal microvascular endothelial injury, from acute thrombotic microangiopathies to chronic, low-grade endothelial drop-out.
Join Our Team
We are looking for motivated postdocs, students, and collaborators passionate about vascular biology and nephrology.
Contact: Chelsea Estrada, DO, MS: Chelsea.Estrada@stonybrookmedicine.edu