NPF-Funded Research

Role of isoLGs and Neutrophils in Psoriasis-Induced Kidney Disease and Hypertension

Matthew Alexander, M.D.

Principal Investigator: Matthew Alexander, M.D.
Institution:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)


Grant Mechanism: R01 Bridge Grant
Funding Amount: $100,000
Project Start Date: August 1, 2025
Project End Date: July 31, 2026
Status: Active
Keywords: Psoriasis, Comorbidity, Basic Science, Animal Models, CVD, Inflammation

Project Summary:

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that is associated with increased risk of hypertension and kidney disease for reasons that are unclear. We will test the new hypothesis that in the skin of individuals with psoriasis lipid molecules called isolevuglandins promote production of a factors that drive increased neutrophil production leading to kidney damage and blood pressure elevations. This Bridge Award will allow us to obtain key data to enhance the feasibility and rigor of our studies to ultimately obtain larger grant funding for this overall project. This work will define key mechanisms by which psoriasis causes damage to organs outside the skin for potential new therapies targeting these pathways.

How will your project help improve the lives of the 125 million affected by psoriatic disease?

This project will build upon prior work by our laboratory to determine mechanisms by which cardiovascular and kidney disease, which are primary contributors to excess mortality in psoriasis, occurs in this condition. The goal of this work is to identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of psoriasis that can improve the skin disease and/or excess cardiovascular and renal disease risk.

Why is psoriatic disease research important to you, personally? What role will this award play in your research efforts or career development?

As a cardiologist I see many patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases, including a disproportionate number of patients with autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Understanding the link between psoriasis and cardiovascular and renal disease risk drives my desire to improve care for these patients. This award will allow me to continue that pursuit and evaluate a role for specific immune cells in mediating the extracutaneous manifestations of psoriasis.




Researcher Profile:

Dr. Alexander is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He attended Duke University for his undergraduate studies followed by training in the Medical Scientist Training (M.D./Ph.D.) Program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He subsequently joined the Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Physician Scientist Training Program where he completed internship and residency in Internal Medicine followed by a Cardiovascular Medicine fellowship. As part of his fellowship he performed postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. Meena Madhur. He then joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor in 2020. His research program is focused on the role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of hypertension and related end-organ damage. He has published multiple high impact papers in journal such as Journal of Clinical Investigation, Circulation Research, and New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Alexander also practices clinically in general cardiology with a focus on advanced hypertension. He has received multiple awards including the Vanderbilt Faculty Scholars Award, ASCI Young Physician Scientists Award, and the APS New Investigator Award.

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