The Das laboratory focuses on extracellular vesicles and their molecular cargoes as biomarkers in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and seeks to determine their functional role in mediating phenotypes associated with cardiometabolic diseases including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, insulin resistance and MASLD. The laboratory uses a combination of human subject research including isolation of EVs from tissue explants, biofluids and organ-on-chip systems, combined with a variety of platforms to assess their molecular cargoes and functions. In addition, we have characterized novel murine models that allow for tracking of EVs to assess intercellular communication and the functional effects of EV targeting. Finally, as part of the Human Islet Research Network, we have projects defining beta-cell specific EVs to interrogate beta-cell stress, and investigate cross-talk between acinar cells, ductal cells and beta-cells in models of type 1 DM.

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