Gabrielle Fredman, PhD

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Studies over the last decade suggest that failed resolution of a chronic inflammatory response is an important driving force in the progression of atherosclerosis. Mechanisms underlying failed resolution in atherosclerosis are largely unknown.

The resolution response is in part mediated by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which are endogenous lipid mediators actively generated during inflammation. SPM families include lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins and are biosynthesized from lipoxygenase- and cyclooxygenase-initiated mechanisms. SPMs each possess distinct structures that bind and activate select cell surface receptors. Dr. Fredman's lab is investigating the role of SPMs in atherosclerosis.

Dr. Fredman's research focuses on two questions that encompass vital gaps in our knowledge of a major human killer and addressing them will suggest new therapeutic strategies that are complementary to those that currently exist:

1) what are the endogenous mechanisms underlying dysregulated resolution programs in atherosclerosis and aging ?

2) what mechanism-based treatment strategies can be conceived to initiate resolution when it fails?