Principal Investigator
Huize Pan, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine
Huize Pan, PhD, is a cell and vascular biologist specializing in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death worldwide.
Dr. Pan’s research has provided key insights into smooth muscle cell plasticity in atherosclerosis, uncovering potential therapeutic targets and advancing the understanding of pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. His work has opened new avenues for mechanism-based precision medicine strategies to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, leading to high-impact publications and prestigious awards.
At Vanderbilt, Dr. Pan’s team is dedicated to unraveling the mechanisms driving atherosclerosis progression and developing novel therapeutic strategies. His lab integrates multidisciplinary approaches, including molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, single-cell genomics, human genetics, pharmacological studies, and innovative animal models.
Relevant Links
Publications
Lab Members
Zhipeng Huang, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine
Zhipeng Huang earned his PhD from Fudan University and joined the Pan lab in January 2025. His research is focused on the translational potential of smooth muscle cell plasticity in cardiovascular disease.
He enjoys running, hiking, and climbing, especially marathons, as they help him relax and strengthen his willpower.
Ke (Lydia) Ning, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine
Ke (Lydia) Ning received her PhD from Fudan University and joined the Pan lab in September 2024. Her current research is to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of smooth muscle cell plasticity in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
In leisure time, she likes reading and trying to perfect her homemade coffee.
Daniel Li
Undergraduate Student, Vanderbilt University
Daniel Li is an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University pursuing a molecular and cellular biology major and a psychology minor. He joined Dr. Pan’s lab in November 2024.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys basketball, music, and art.
Skyler Tunc
Undergraduate Student, Vanderbilt University
Skyler Tunc is a sophomore at Vanderbilt studying biochemistry with a minor in philosophy. He has been a member of Dr. Pan’s lab since October 2024.
Originally from Northern Virginia, he is an avid chess player and enjoys reading and watching sports in his free time.
Alumni
Ethan Y. Xie
Summer Intern 2024
Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine
Ethan Y. Xie is a sophomore at the University of California at Berkeley and a former summer student in the Huize Pan Lab, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.