Dr. Pagano’s research focuses on the modulatory role of the adventitia in vascular function and structure under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Dr. Pagano’s laboratory was among the first to identify a non-phagocytic NADPH oxidase in the vascular wall, demonstrating a critical role for essential subunit p67phox in its activity. He subsequently cloned vascular p67phox and illustrated its potent activation at the mRNA and protein level in response to the potent pro-hypertensive hormone angiotensin II. Stemming from these early discoveries, Dr. Pagano was the first to develop specific cell- and tissue-permeant peptidic and adenoviral inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, which is widely considered the most specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor available. These and his other more recently developed inhibitors of novel isoforms of NADPH oxidase are expected to provide a platform for the development of new therapies aimed at treating hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, Dr. Pagano is broadly recognized for his pioneering work examining the role of adventitia-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, in particular, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the modulation of vascular tone, inflammation, and remodeling.

http://www.vmi.pitt.edu/pagano.html

http://paganolab.pitt.edu/