Dr. Fornage’s research interests lie in the molecular genetics of complex diseases, with an emphasis on cerebrovascular disease and stroke.
Current research is directed at understanding the genetic basis of brain vascular injury using functional genomic and genetic epidemiology strategies. Work in Dr. Fornage’s laboratory employs microarray gene expression profiling and 2D gel electrophoresis proteomic analysis to identify genes and gene pathways contributing to stroke susceptibility in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP). These studies recently identified the gene encoding soluble epoxide hydrolase, an enzyme involved in endothelium function, cerebral functional hyperemia, and angiogenesis, as a candidate gene influencing susceptibility to brain vascular injury in this model. Ongoing work is aimed at identifying the set of genes that comprises the molecular network underlying soluble epoxide hydrolase function in vascular disease.