Physiology Seminar OCT 30: Dr. Hongyu Qiu – “VSMCs in aging related vascular pathologies — Disease relevance and therapeutic potential”

Dr. Qiu will present her seminar titled

"VSMCs in aging related vascular pathologies - Disease relevance and therapeutic potential"

Thursday, October 30, 2025

3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cancer Research Building Auditorium

Refreshments will be provided.

Summary:

Aging is an independent risk factor for vascular dysfunction and diseases. Alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key drivers of aging-related aortic stiffening and hypertension, arising from intrinsic changes in their mechanical properties as well as extrinsic effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. These maladaptive structural and functional changes reduce arterial compliance, elevate systolic blood pressure, and contribute to resistant hypertension in older adults. Targeting age-associated VSMC dysfunction thus represents a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate aortic stiffness and improve blood pressure control in the aging population.

Short biography:

Dr. Qiu has a background in clinical medicine and basic science, with specialized expertise in the physiological and molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases. Her research focuses on aging-related aortic stiffening and hypertension, combining in vivo studies in various animal models (monkeys, canines, swine, rodents) with in vitro investigations using advanced techniques such as atomic force microscopy and 3D tissue models. Her work has revealed the critical role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and identified key genes and signaling pathways involved in vascular aging. She has also explored therapeutic strategies to reduce aortic stiffness and hypertension and developed translational approaches using human tissues, including iPSC-derived VSMCs and human-based cell models. These studies enhance the clinical relevance of her findings and support their translational potential.

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