Dr. Valerie Etzrodt

Biography

Valerie Etzrodt conducts primarily benchside research, focusing on the translational aspects of advancing understanding of vascular dysfunction in acute illnesses such as sepsis and acute kidney injury. Her work centers on endothelial dysfunction, which drives systemic inflammation and multi-organ damage. Previously, in the laboratory of Professor Sascha David, she investigated endothelial signaling pathways disrupted by sepsis, leading to vascular leakage and organ failure. This included studies on the Angiopoietin-2/Tie2 axis and the role of microRNA-155 as key mediators of endothelial instability under systemic inflammation. Building on this foundation, she joined the lab of Professor Samir M. Parikh at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she deepened her understanding of vascular metabolic injury in the context of inflammation with a focus on acute kidney injury. Her ongoing research project in Dallas explores the tissue-specific role of NAMPT, a key enzyme in NAD⁺ metabolism during acute systemic inflammation. Valerie aims to uncover new mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies to protect vascular integrity and prevent organ failure during critical illness, ultimately bridging the gap between bench and bedside.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards