Minerva T. Garcia-barrio

Biography

Minerva T. Garcia-Barrio is working as Assistant Professor in Morehouse School of Medicine. Garcia-Barrio completed her degree Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology from University of Salamanca and PG in Master of Science in Biology fromUniversity of Buenos Aires, Argentine. She awarded as Outstanding Mentor Award, Morehouse School Medicine and Selected as Marshall for the Ph.D. Program, Commencement Ceremony.

Research Interest

The dynamic process of vascular remodeling involves changes in the proliferative state, cell fate and migration of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Ultimately, these effects are brought about by changes in the transcription profile of genes expressed in these cells. Of particular interest are lineage specific transcription factors (TFs) of the basic helix-loop-helix family (bHLH). These TFs have been shown to regulate proliferation and differentiation in multiple tissues as well as play a crucial role in development. The ID proteins have an HLH domain but lack the basic domain responsible for DNA binding. They behave as dominant negative regulators of the bHLH transcription factors through the formation of heterodimers that fail to bind DNA. ID proteins together with other bHLHs have been identified as crucial components of vascular development, physiology and disease. In this research group, we are interested in: Increasing the understanding of the role of the ID proteins as modulators of vascular remodeling through their interactions with other bHLHs. Uncover the molecular basis for regulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin/tcf-LEF pathway by ID3. Study of the contributions of the ASCL family of bHLH transcription factors to VSMC biology with a focus on hypertension. Systematically analyze the contribution of other under-characterized bHLH to vascular biology. It is our hope that the elucidation of the intricate gene regulatory networks involving bHLH TFs that govern vascular remodeling and lesion formation will foster the development of novel therapeutic interventions capable of preventing the diseased state.