Overview
Dr. Mujica-Urzua is a Chilean-born scientist and educator with a longstanding interest in
the cellular and molecular aspects of endothelial biology. As a science educator, he is
focused on pedagogical approaches that support student learning in Physiology.
- BSc in Biological Sciences (2009), Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile - Santiago,
Chile.
- PhD in Pharmacology & Physiology (2014), Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences - Newark, NJ
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert
Einstein College of Medicine (2014 - 2016) - Bronx, NY
Education
PHD, 2015, Rutgers University
Curriculum Vitae
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Role of molecular movement in the control of endothelial barrier function
The vascular wall operates as a dynamically and selectively permeable barrier
between the blood and the interstitial fluid, a function chiefly regulated by endothelial
cells. This endothelial barrier is transiently disrupted upon inflammatory insult, leading
to increased transport of macromolecules (hyperpermeability) and extravascular
accumulation of fluid, which causes edema---a hallmark of inflammation that underlies
several pathophysiological scenarios.
We are interested in understanding the molecular and cellular regulation of this
transient disruption of barrier function, with a particular focus on several forms of
molecular movement that appear to be involved in this phenomenon. Using molecular,
biochemical, and imaging methods, we investigate the following key questions:
- What are the biochemical signaling pathways that control the onset and the
termination of hyperpermeability?
- What is the role of the endosomal recycling system in the localization of key
signaling factors known to regulate the hyperpermeability response?
- What is the contribution of protein scaffolding modules (AKAPs, ERM proteins,
spectrins) to the regulation of endothelial barrier function?
- How are subcellular cyclic nucleotide microdomains established and what is their
relevance for vascular barrier homeostasis?
Our ability to gain insight into these topics may provide a valuable foundation for the
development of novel therapeutic approaches to combat pathologies with a strong
inflammatory component such as metastatic cancer, lupus, and diabetes.
