Biography
Dr. Jackson-Weaver received a B.S. degree in Biology and a B.A. degree in Chemistry (2006) from the University of New Mexico. He received a PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2012) from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He performed postdoctoral work at the University of California Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. He was then a Research Assistant Professor at Tulane University before coming to the University of New Mexico as an Assistant Professor in 2025.
Personal Statement
The endothelial cells of the vasculature represent a key component of vascular control and participate in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. My lab in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of New Mexico investigates the effects of shock, hemorrhage, and trauma on the vasculature, and we are primarily focused on the endothelium. Studies have shown clear deleterious effects of trauma, shock, and ischemia-reperfusion insult on endothelial function. One of the most striking effects is the shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx, which is the glycoprotein coating on the luminal surface of the endothelium. This glycocalyx damage is thought to contribute to organ failure and poor coagulation (coagulopathy) which are both serious complications that have major impacts on mortality in these patents. However, the mechanisms and results of this damage have not been studied in enough depth to develop effective therapies. Our work uses both plasma samples from human patients as well as cultured cells and animal models of trauma and shock to investigate these mechanisms, with a focus on identifying potential treatment options that can be rapidly implemented in the clinic. We are using a range of techniques, from molecular biology and biochemistry on cultured endothelial cells, to whole body responses in rats and other model organisms as well as studying blood samples from trauma patients. Our current projects are, for the first time, dissecting key molecular events that underlie the endotheliopathy of trauma, such as the central role of endothelial metabolism. We will use this knowledge to test potential therapeutics in animal models, and then work to bring these therapies to clinical trials. Furthermore, we are investigating mechanisms of acute lung injury, both hemorrhage related as well as pathogen associated. We are focusing on endothelial mechanisms that play a role in the fluid imbalance that is a hallmark of this deadly phenomenon.
I am also committed to training the next generation of trauma researchers in the lab. Members of the lab will always include undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral, medical student, and surgery resident members.
Areas of Specialty
Endothelium
Endothelial Glycocalyx
Trauma
Coagulopathy
Achievements & Awards
2024 NIH ?NIGMS R01 award
2024 Faculty Recognition Award: Early Career/Emerging Faculty of Basic Science. Tulane University School of Medicine
Gender
Male