Researcher | Research Overview
Stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering hold great promise in regenerative medicine. However, generating tissues with stable functional vascular beds remains a major challenge. Our laboratory is interested in understanding mechanisms of vascular network formation using human stem and progenitor cells. We specialize in the biology and therapeutic potential of human circulating Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells. Current projects in the lab are focused on:
- endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) biology
- bioengineering vascular networks
- genetically engineered vasculature for protein drug delivery
Researcher | Research Background
Dr. Melero-Martin graduated in Chemical Engineering from University of Seville, Spain, in 1998. After working three years in industry, he went on to earn a PhD in biochemical engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK in 2005. Dr. Melero-Martin's doctoral research focused on tissue engineering and was sponsored by Smith & Nephew. From 2005 to 2008, he trained as a post-doctoral fellow in the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children's Hospital. He joined the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Children's Hospital in 2008. In 2009, he received a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award from the NIH.