Featured Researcher: Salim Thabet

Salim Thabet, MD is a clinical fellow in the Emory University Division of Cardiology working with Dr. Hanjoong Jo, whose lab investigates vascular flow and endothelial function. Over the past two years, Dr. Thabet has studied the effect of disturbed blood flow, which is closely associated with atherosclerosis — or hardening of blood vessels — on endothelial gene expression and function. He is particularly interested in the Kruppel-like factor 3 (Klf-3) gene, which is a repressor of other genes and involved in certain forms of cancer and red blood cells as well as far cells formation. Klf-3 is down-regulated under conditions of disturbed flow; however, its role in atherosclerosis and arterial plaque formation has never been studied. Dr. Thabet’s experiments suggest that it plays important roles in inflammation, proliferation, and endothelial cell survival. Other experiments suggest that genetically modified mice lacking Klf3 seem to be protected from disturbed flow atherosclerosis formation.

Learn more about Dr. Jo’s lab and their research on the lab website.

In his free time, Dr. Thabet enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

 

Related Links

• Nominate a Featured Researcher
• Emory University Division of Cardiology
• Emory University Department of Medicine
• Emory Department of Medicine, Office of Research

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