Kaori Yamada

Email Address: horiguch@uic.edu
College: Medicine Department: Pharmacology
Title: Assistant Professor
Office: COMRB 4137 Phone: 3129961906
Webpage: http://mcph.uic.edu/research-faculty/yamada/
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes

Research Interest:
We are studying the mechanisms that regulate vascular functions, such as vascular permeability and angiogenesis.
In angiogenesis-related diseases such as cancer and blinding eye disorders, excessive VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling leads to the formation of leaky blood vessels. Inhibiting VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling is a promising strategy for these conditions. One of our projects focuses on the trafficking of VEGFR2 by a kinesin motor moving on microtubules, which play a role in regulating vascular permeability and angiogenesis. Our novel approach to treating angiogenesis-related diseases involves targeting VEGFR2 trafficking to suppress pathological angiogenesis and vascular leakage.
Another project investigates a glycosylated protein secreted by metastatic breast cancer cells that increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, facilitating brain invasion and metastasis. By elucidating the precise mechanisms involved, we aim to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent breast cancer brain metastasis.

Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10

Qualifications of a Student:
the general knowledge of biology and chemistry

Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Making buffers (calculating the molarity of the chemical reagents), learning basic lab techniques

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