Michael A. Hill, PhD

Research interests

• Local control of microvascular hemodynamics
• Mechanisms underlying the arteriolar myogenic response
• Mechanotransduction
• Impact of 3D vascular wall structure on arteriolar function
• Microvascular dysfunction in experimental diabetes

Research summary

Michael Hill’s research program focuses on the peripheral arterial system under physiological and pathophysiological (including diabetes, metabolic disease and aging) situations. Particular emphasis is placed on how mechanical forces in the vasculature (for example pressure within small arteries and stiffness of the artery wall) impact vascular function and the control of hemodynamics. Experimental approaches utilize in vivo animal models, ex vivo study of arteries/arterioles and cell-based studies. The translational relevance of our program relates to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving vascular health.

Select publications

• Koenen, M., Hill, M.A. Cohen, P., and Sowers, J.R., Obesity, Adipose Tissue and Vascular Dysfunction. Circ. Res. 2021 Apr 2;128(7):951-968. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318093. Epub 2021 Apr 1. PMID: 33793327. (*equal contributions)
• Liping Zhang, Yan Yang, Aroor Annayya, Jia Guanghong, Zhe Sun, Alan Parrish, Garrett Litherland, Benjamin Bonnard, Frederic Jaisser, James R. Sowers and Michael A. Hill Endothelial Sodium Channel Activation Mediates DOCA-Salt-Induced Endothelial Cell and Arterial Stiffening. Metabolism 2022:155165. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155165
• Sun, Z., Li, Z. and Hill, M.A. Myosin light chain phosphorylation exhibits a gradient across the wall of rat super cerebellar arteries under sustained vascular tone. Scientific Reports 2023. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28092-3
• Jaime Ibarrola, Rachel R. Xiang, Zhe Sun, Qing Lu, Michael A. Hill, and Iris Z. Jaffe. Inhibition of the Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Induces Vascular Stiffness. Clinical Science 2024, Feb 16:CS20231478. doi: 10.1042/CS20231478.
• Liping Zhang, Zhe Sun, Austin Mack, Mackenna Rodgers, Annayya Aroor, Guanghong Jia, James R. Sowers and Michael A. Hill. Role of endothelial cell SGK-1 in DOCA-salt mediated vascular stiffening. Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental 2024