Mark de Caestecker, MB, BS, PhD

 

 
Phone 615.343.2844
Office S 3223 MCN
Nashville, TN 37232-2372
Email mark.de.caestecker@vanderbilt.edu
Figure 3. Cited1 is down-regulated as cap mesenchyme cells differentiate and has an expression pattern distinct from Pax2 and WT1. Excerpted from "Cited1 and Cited2 are differentially expressed in the developing kidney but are not required for nephrogenesis"


 

The de Caestecker laboratory focuses on four main areas of research:

The use of small molecules to enhance regenerative capacity of the kidney following acute kidney injury. These studies are part of an ongoing collaboration with Neil Hukriede from Pittsburgh University. Using a screen in Zebrafish embryos he has identified a novel class of compounds that promote expansion of renal progenitor cells during embryonic development. We have shown that these compounds also enhance renal regenerative capacity in mice and are associated with induction of embryonic gene markers in the kidney. Current work is exploring the efficacy and mechanisms by which this class of compound regulates renal regeneration.

CRE-dependent transposon-based forward genetic screen to identify mutations associated with development of embryonic renal tumors in mice. We have used a CRE-driver that is expressed in embryonic renal progenitor cells to develop a model of Wilms’ tumor in mice. We are screening for tumor-associated mutations and using the temporally regulated CRE driver to identify stage dependent effects of mutagenesis in renal progenitor cell populations.

The role of IGF and insulin signaling in mediating asymmetric intrauterine growth retardation resulting from placental insufficiency in mice. We are currently using genetic approaches in mice to evaluate epistatic relationships between organs during late gestational fetal growth.

The role of BMP signaling in regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling and reactivity in health and disease. We are using mouse genetics with cardiovascular physiology and cell biological approaches (including the use of human IPS cell lines from patients with hereditary pulmonary vascular disease) to study complex relationships between different cell types within the pulmonary vasculature in health and disease.

NEWEST PUBLICATIONS

Bmp2 and Bmp4 exert opposing effects in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.  
2010 AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 298:R833-842

Assessing the application of tissue microarray technology to kidney research.  
2010 Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry 58: 413-420

BMP signaling in vascular development and disease. 
2010 Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews 21: 287-298

ID family protein expression and regulation in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. 
2010 AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology [E-pub ahead of print]

PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS
For more information about Dr. De Caestecker visit his Vanderbilt Faculty Page or lab webpage
 

 

 

Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action

Copyright 2004, Educational Technology, Biomedical Research Education & Training
Last modified: Thursday, October 14, 2010 by Kim.Kane@vanderbilt.edu