Dr. Lisandra Vila Ellis

Biography

Lisandra Vila Ellis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Her research focuses on gas diffusion processes within the mammalian lung and the role of endothelial cells in the formation of the alveolar capillary network. Dr. Vila Ellis's postdoctoral studies revealed a novel population of endothelial cells in the mouse lung, which are critically involved in pulmonary diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), often observed in premature births. Recently, her work has incorporated single-cell RNA sequencing to understand endothelial cell heterogeneity and its implications in human lung conditions. The overarching goal of her laboratory is to elucidate the transcriptional mechanisms that govern endothelial cell fate and the molecular components involved in lung angiogenesis. These insights aim to contribute significantly to fundamental biological understanding and potential therapeutic interventions.

Research Interests