Christopher Kontos

Professor of Medicine
Christopher Kontos
Christopher Kontos

Overview

The Kontos Lab studies the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Studies are directed toward understanding how signal transduction by endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase (RTKs) regulates vascular growth in both physiological and pathological processes, including exercise, peripheral artery disease (PAD), atherosclerosis, and cancer.

Current projects include:

1. Signal transduction, mechanisms of activation, and downregulation of endothelial RTKs (mainly Tie1, Tie2, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2)

2. Differential effects of the Angiopoietins

3. Role of the inositol phosphatase PTEN in the regulation of vascular cell growth and remodeling

4. PTEN gene therapy for prevention of vein graft disease

5. Angiogenic signaling in skeletal muscle, including mechanisms of exercise-induced angiogenesis

6. Proteolytic cleavage and shedding of endothelial RTKs

7. Angiogenic proteins as biomarkers in peripheral artery disease

Positions

Professor of Medicine in the School of Medicine

2017 School of Medicine

Director, Medical Scientist Training Program in the School of Medicine

2009 School of Medicine

Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology in the School of Medicine

2017 School of Medicine

Professor of Cell Biology in the School of Medicine

2022 School of Medicine

Member of the Duke Cancer Institute in the School of Medicine

1993 School of Medicine

Education

M.D. 1989

1989 Virginia Commonwealth University

Fellow in Cardiology, Medicine

1997 Duke University

Publications, Grants & Awards

Offices & Contact

180A CARL Bldg, 213 Research Dr.
Durham, NC
27710
Duke Box 102148
Durham, NC
27710