Pfleger Lab
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Home ItemJessica Pfleger, Ph.D. , home
Assistant Professor
Led by principal investigator Jessica Pfleger, Ph.D., the Pfleger Lab seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive cardiovascular diseases, which represent the most lethal illnesses worldwide. In particular, the lab investigates the regulation of gene expression in response to cellular stimulation or stress, which can be both adaptive and maladaptive. In energetically demanding cells, such as cardiomyocytes, metabolic state is a critical determinant of cellular health. Accordingly, metabolism is emerging as a critical regulator of transcription and gene expression. To investigate this process, the lab has several ongoing projects. These include detailed characterization of known metabolic transcriptional regulators, such as forkhead box protein (FOX)O1, as well as the identification of novel metabolic transcriptional regulators. Additionally, the lab examines the effect of metabolism on chromatin remodeling by investigating how novel metabolite-derived functional groups modify histones. To address these important biological questions, we employ cutting-edge, genomic techniques. The lab's vision is that an in-depth understanding of the intricate biology of the heart will lead development of innovative and effective therapies for disease.
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Bio ItemRoslyn Fawbush , bio
Research Associate
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Bio ItemConnor Madalo , bio
Medical Student, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine '25
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Bio ItemJamie Renick , bio
Research Assistant
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Bio ItemMason Wheeler , bio
Graduate Student, Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health
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Article Item
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Article Item
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Article ItemNew scientists bring American Heart Association-funded research to the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute , article
Jessica Pfleger and Yassine Sassi, who joined Virginia Tech this summer, brought with them American Heart Associated-funded research projects. Pfleger studies insulin resistance in the heart, and Sassi studies pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Date: Aug 04, 2021 -
Article ItemNew Fralin Biomedical scientist explores how metabolism, stress alter gene expression in heart cells , article
Jessica Pfleger, a new faculty member starting at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC on July 1, studies how lifestyle factors, such as stress and diet, alter the genes and proteins involved in heart disease progression.
Date: Jun 25, 2021