Interaction of vascular endothelial cells with leukocytes, platelets and cancer cells in inflammation, thrombosis and cancer growth and metastasis

Adhesion and migration of mammalian cells are of crucial importance in a number of biological events, such as fertilization, embryogenesis, pattern, tissue and organ formation, and in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including lymphocyte trafficking, leukocyte recruitment, hemostasis, wound healing, tumor angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. All these cellular interactions are precisely regulated by temporal and spatial presentation of various cell adhesion molecules and chemotactical molecules displaying appropriate specificity and affinity for proper development and functioning of the organism. My research is focused on the structures and functions of vascular endothelial cells. I am especially interested in the biological roles of endothelial cells in mediating adhesion and migration of leukocytes, platelets and cancer cells as well as their involvements in inflammation, thrombosis, cancer growth and meta-stasis.