The Hasan Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Over three decades of research have shown that overproduction of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a 21–amino acid peptide, plays a central role in drug-resistant hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and cognitive impairments. Yet, no drug currently exists to restrain ET-1 overproduction. Our lab aims to develop a new class of therapeutics that can simultaneously suppress ET-1 biosynthesis and block its receptors (ETAR and ETBR). This dual-targeting approach has transformative potential for a wide range of cardiopulmonary and metabolic diseases driven by ET-1 elevation. 

Statins are among the most widely prescribed medications worldwide for lowering cholesterol. However, many of their beneficial and adverse effects are independent of cholesterol reduction. Our goal is to uncover the molecular basis of these off-target effects—including vasoconstriction, memory dysfunction, and blood pressure regulation—to guide more personalized and evidence-based therapy, with a focus on sex differences in statin actions. By defining the non-lipid actions of statins, we aim to optimize their use in patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

The human gut harbors more than 100 trillion bacteria, representing over 600 species. Growing evidence shows that imbalances in gut microflora and their metabolites influence nearly every aspect of human physiology. Harmful metabolites such as TMAO, PAGln, and ImP have been linked to atherosclerosis, metabolic disorders, thrombosis, and stroke. Our lab seeks to model these conditions and develop therapeutic strategies based on beneficial metabolites or probiotic organisms that can correct gut dysbiosis and restore metabolic and cardiovascular health. Further, we study how these metabolites affect immune cell function and cardiovascular system, and how the microbiome–immune axis regulates human health and disease. 

Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, yet fewer than 25% achieve blood pressure control despite the availability of multiple drug classes. Many patients remain unresponsive even to three-drug combination therapy—a condition called drug-resistant hypertension that is associated with significantly higher rates of death and disability. This gap reflects an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms driving drug resistance. Our research focuses on identifying the underlying factors that contribute to treatment failure and developing novel therapeutics that target the root causes of drug-resistant hypertension—ultimately reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death.