Paulo S Caceres Puzzella, PhD

Biographical Statement

Dr. Paulo Caceres Puzzella's scientific career has been defined by an interest in cell biology and molecular processes that contribute to disease. His Ph.D in kidney epithelial biology and his postdoctoral training in epithelial polarity led to the development of a line of research engaged in understanding how the unique organization of epithelial cells contribute to interactions with the surrounding tissues, in particular, microvascular structures defined by endothelial cells. Such interactions are likely to dictate tissue homeostasis and, when perturbed, could result in disease.The research team's goal is to understand these mechanisms with the purpose of identifying points of intervention for future therapies.

Titles

• Assistant Scientist, Henry Ford Hospital/Hypertension and Vascular Research Division
• Assistant Professor (FTA), Wayne State University/Department of Physiology

Research Interests

Our research focuses on identifying cell-cell communication mechanisms between epithelial and endothelial cells, and to determine how they contribute to tissue homeostasis and disease. The close relationship between epithelial cells and the underlying microvasculature greatly determines the properties of the tissues and organs where they are located. For this reason, our perspective is that these cell types need to be studied as a functional unit. We believe that bidirectional mechanisms of cell-cell communication between epithelial and endothelial cells maintain tissue homeostasis and contribute to the diversity of epithelia (there are over 150 in the body and possibly an equivalent diversity of microvascular phenotypes). We are interested in identifying novel pathways of cell-cell communication that influence polarized epithelial processes and microvascular angiogenesis, with the ultimate goal of establishing them as contributors to kidney disease and vascular pathologies.

Awards and Honors

• Career Development Award, American Heart Association (2021)
• Institutional Mentored Scientist Grant, Henry Ford Health System (2021)
• Scientific Merit Oral Presentation, 18th Annual Research Symposium, Henry Ford Hospital (2021)
• Travel Grant, Minorities Affairs Committee, American Society for Cell Biology (2019)
• Postdoctoral Excellence in Renal Research Award, American Physiological Society (2016)