University of Virginia-Main Campus · PhysiologyThe Vascular Dynamics Lab
Swapnil K. Sonkusare · Charlottesville, Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Swapnil K. Sonkusare's lab at the University of Virginia focuses on understanding how calcium signaling in blood vessels affects blood pressure regulation, particularly under conditions like hypertension. They explore specific mechanisms in smooth muscle and endothelial cells that influence blood vessel dilation and constriction, which can help identify potential treatments for high blood pressure. Their research may lead to novel therapies aimed at improving vascular health and lowering cardiovascular risks.
calcium signalingpulmonary hypertensionvascular smooth muscleendothelial functionTRPV4 ion channelselectrophysiologyblood pressure regulationmechanosensitive signalingdilation and constriction mechanisms
Research Aims
5AIM 01Identify calcium signaling mechanisms regulating dilation in pulmonary arteries.
AIM 02Determine role of scaffolding protein caveolin-1 in flow-induced endothelial signaling.
AIM 03Investigate peroxynitrite's effects on calcium signaling in hypertension.
AIM 04Characterize novel signaling nanodomains in vascular smooth muscle cells.
AIM 05Assess communication disruption between signaling pathways in hypertensive conditions.
Skills the Lab Values
mouse modelscalcium imagingpatch clamp electrophysiologyimmunohistochemistryWestern blotin vivo blood pressure monitoringmolecular cloningcell cultureexperimental designdata analysis
Output against the department
Publications146bottom 48% of dept.148th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.6kbottom 29% of dept.204th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.