ENDOTHELIAL CELL DYNAMICS & COMPLEXITY THEORY

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The objective of this work is to apply complexity theory to understanding endothelial cell function in health and disease. The Resource is assisting Dr. Aird (NHLBI support) in developing our understanding of the nonlinear complexity of endothelial function. Dr. Aird has proposed a model based on the work of Resource investigators (Crit Care Med 2002; 20; Supplement. In press) in which healthy endothelium retains a broad range of responses and is therefore highly active; whereas dysfunctional endothelium becomes locked into a narrow range of responses, approaching a single steady state and eventual quiescence. These concepts lay a foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of endothelial cell dysfunction in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.