Our lab investigates how the brain contributes to cardiopulmonary disease, with a particular emphasis on pulmonary hypertension. Our goal is to define the neural, autonomic, and inflammatory mechanisms driving disease and identify new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Beyond the Pulmonary Vasculature
How does the brain shape the development and progression of cardiopulmonary disease?
Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, vascular remodeling, and progressive strain on the right side of the heart. Beyond the pulmonary circulation, disease progression is shaped by autonomic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and signaling among the nervous, immune, and cardiopulmonary systems.
We study these mechanisms across cells, neural circuits, and whole-body physiology to determine how the brain senses cardiopulmonary stress and influences peripheral organs. Our goal is to identify therapeutic targets that complement existing vascular treatments.
Research Projects
Insert a short heading that introduces the lab's major projects
Insert Project 1 image here
Include a short caption explaining what the Project 1 image shows and why it is relevant.
01
Insert Project 1 Category
Insert the title of the first major research project
Describe the scientific question addressed by this project. Include the biological system, pathway, cell type, disease process, or mechanism being investigated and why it matters.
Explain the current direction of the project. Mention the main hypothesis, the approaches being used, and what the lab hopes to discover or ultimately change.
Insert related publication or project link →
Insert Project 2 image here
Include a short caption explaining what the Project 2 image shows and why it is relevant.
02
Insert Project 2 Category
Insert the title of the second major research project
Describe the scientific question addressed by this project. Explain how it differs from or complements Project 1 and identify the key biological or clinical problem being studied.
Discuss the mechanisms, models, or experimental strategy involved. Include the expected significance of the work and the broader question it may help answer.
Insert related publication or project link →
Insert Project 3 image here
Include a short caption explaining what the Project 3 image shows and why it is relevant.
03
Insert Project 3 Category
Insert the title of the third major research project
Describe the scientific question addressed by this project. Identify the central mechanism or process and explain how it fits within the lab's overall research program.
Summarize the project's current goals, methods, and potential impact. Include any therapeutic, translational, or future research direction that should be highlighted.
Insert related publication or project link →
Research Approach
Connecting neural mechanisms with cardiopulmonary physiology
Our work combines integrative physiology with molecular, cellular, and imaging approaches. We use complementary experimental models and measurements to connect cell-specific changes in the nervous system with pulmonary vascular remodeling, blood pressure regulation, and cardiac function.
Oliveira Lab