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Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, FACE

Director, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Internal Medicine

Office: E400-D GH
Office Phone: (319) 467-9743

Lab: 340G EMRB
(319) 335-0451


Mechanism of the limb salvage qtl-1 (LSq-1) locus of outcomes in experimental peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

We previously identified a genetic locus which we termed LSq-1 in mice. LSq-1 is associated with favorable outcomes in experimental peripheral arterial disease PAD. Recently we have refined this locus and identified several genes within this locus that play a role in post ischemic adaption in experimental PAD. We are now exploring the physiologic and molecular mechanisms of how these gene regulate post ischemic adaption in experimental PAD.

Gene and metabolic environment interaction in severity of PAD.

It is well known that diabetes is associated with poor outcomes in humans with PAD. Our lab and others have shown that mice with diabetes have poorer outcomes following experimental PAD exemplified by poor perfusion recovery and higher tendency to develop limb necrosis following experimental PAD. Therefore, the goal of this project is to determine the effects of key metabolic abnormalities in diabetes on the expression and function of genes involved in favorable outcomes in experimental PAD. Additionally, we aim to dissect the molecular mechanisms involved in these interactions to inform development of therapeutic strategies for treatment of PAD in diabetics.

Targeting miRNAs to improve PAD outcomes in Diabetes

We recently identified microRNAs with altered regulation in diabetes. We have data suggesting modulation of specific miRNA can improve experimental PAD outcomes in diabetes. Ongoing studies are exploring the molecular mechanisms by which modulation of these miRNAs improve PAD outcomes in diabetes.



PubMed link

Department/Program Affiliations:
Internal Medicine