Dr. Good’s lab investigates how the blood vessels that support the brain contribute to neurological diseases, with a particular focus on the regulation of cerebral blood flow and inflammation. Their research centers on Pannexin 1 (Panx1), a channel protein expressed throughout the vascular system, and how its role varies between different types of blood vessels.

The lab’s studies have demonstrated that endothelial Panx1 plays an important role in regulating cerebral blood flow and vascular inflammation, both of which can become disrupted following ischemic stroke. Their research has shown that increased Panx1 expression in endothelial cells can worsen stroke outcomes by promoting vasoconstriction, reducing the recovery of cerebral blood flow, and increasing infarct volume—effects that were observed specifically in female mice.

Building on the connection between vascular dysfunction, stroke, and dementia, Dr. Good’s lab has also investigated the role of endothelial Panx1 in Alzheimer’s disease. Studies using a mouse model of AD, along with human single-cell RNA sequencing data showing increased Panx1 expression in endothelial cells from individuals with Alzheimer’s, have provided evidence that Panx1 may contribute to vascular dysfunction during the disease.

Together, these findings point to endothelial Panx1 as a potentially important link between vascular dysfunction, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, while also highlighting the need to better understand sex-specific differences in these mechanisms.