Thomas J. Wang, MD
Photo: Thomas J. Wang
Elected 2010
Dr. Wang’s research focuses on the interaction between obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiac function, and on the identification of novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk. One of his major interests is the heart’s endocrine axis, the natriuretic peptide system. Although activation of the natriuretic peptide system in response to acute cardiac overload is well-studied, surprisingly little is known about the regulation of this axis in healthy individuals and its contribution to long-term cardiovascular function. His work emphasizes the role of extra-cardiac factors in modulating natriuretic peptide expression, providing a framework for understanding how regulation of this axis affects cardiovascular health. His research has also advanced the concept that obesity is an acquired natriuretic peptide deficiency state. Ongoing clinical, genetic, and physiologic studies are aimed at understanding how alterations in natriuretic peptide activity may promote cardiometabolic risk. He is also actively engaged in research to identify novel biomarkers that might be useful for the early detection of cardiovascular disease and the tailoring of preventive therapies. This work leverages ongoing population studies, human genetics, and newer platforms for molecular profiling.