Logo for University of Iowa Health Care This logo represents the University of Iowa Health Care

Frank Faraci, PhD

Contact Information

Office: 340F EMRB 
Phone: 319-335-7640
Faculty Profile


Brief description of current research:

Vascular disease is a major cause of death in patients with diabetes. Dr. Faraci’s research deals with mechanisms that underlie large and small vessel disease in the brain. His laboratory uses varied approaches to study the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on structure, function and mechanics of the vasculature. Current studies focus on interacting oxidant- and immune-related signaling pathways along with the role of the local and systemic renin-angiotensin system, a system known to be important in diabetes. A better understanding of such mechanisms may lead to more specific therapeutic approaches for cerebrovascular disease that cause stroke and contribute to the vascular component of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimers disease. 

3 most influential diabetes/obesity/metabolism publications:

  • De Silva TM, Kinzenbaw DA, Modrick ML, Reinhardt LD, Faraci FM. Heterogeneous impact of ROCK2 on carotid and cerebrovascular function. Hypertension 68:809-817, 2016.
  • Hu X, De Silva TM, Chen J, Faraci FM. Cerebral vascular disease and neurovascular injury in ischemic stroke (Compendium on Stroke). Circulation Research 120:449-471, 2017. 
  • De Silva TM, Modrick ML, Dabertrand F, Faraci FM. Changes in cerebral arteries and parenchymal arterioles with aging: Role of ROCK2 and impact of genetic background. Hypertension (In press).