Pfleger Lab
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Jessica Pfleger, Ph.D. , homeAssistant 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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Ekenedilichukwu Anekwe , bioGraduate Student, Biological Sciences
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Roslyn Fawbush , bioResearch Associate
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Connor Madalo , bioMedical Student, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine '25
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Jamie Renick , bioResearch Assistant
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Mason Wheeler , bioGraduate Student, Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health
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Article ItemFrom healthy development to cancer treatments, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists aim for impact , article
New Seale Innovation Fund projects fuel a broad spectrum of research focused on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, stress, brain development, and more.
Date: Jan 29, 2024 -
Article ItemStudents selected for Roanoke’s first undergraduate biomedical research cohort , article
The students studying in majors in the College of Science are part of the inaugural Integrated Health Sciences and Research Program at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.
Date: Sep 22, 2022 -
Article ItemFralin Biomedical Research Institute expands Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program , article
More than 30 undergraduate and high school students worked behind the curtain of biomedical research this summer at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.
Date: Aug 16, 2022 -
Article ItemFralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC Center for Vascular and Heart Research holds retreat to catalyze collaboration , article
The daylong retreat at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center and on the research institute campus included presentations by research teams about their lab’s key techniques, competencies, and equipment.
Date: Jul 21, 2022 -
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