The Shiu Lab (Vascular Access & Health Laboratory) integrates medicine, engineering, and bioscience to investigate the pathophysiology of hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction and the progression of CVD in individuals with CKD. Guided by a Bedside-to-Bench-to-Bedside philosophy, we begin with clinical observations and translate them into mechanistic animal (pig, rat, mouse) and cell studies, then bring discoveries back to patients.
Our unique database of blood-flow imaging and computational simulations of arteriovenous accesses allows us to investigate hemodynamics and mechanotransduction in vascular cells, deepen fundamental insight, and inform the design of targeted therapies. By prolonging access longevity, restoring vascular function, and curbing CVD progression, we aim to measurably improve the quality of life for people living with CKD. Given that CVD is the leading cause of death in this population, our research also seeks to uncover the intricate mechanisms linking vascular dysfunction, CKD and CVD, ultimately striving to improve outcomes for individuals affected by these interrelated conditions.
Research Areas
Dr. Shiu is an investigator in the NIH-funded Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation (HFM) Consortium and the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.
The Shiu Lab holds the world’s largest hemodialysis vascular access blood-flow database, spanning patients and animal models (pig, rat, mouse).
Hemodynamics and wall shear stress in arteriovenous fistula remodeling and maturation
Investigating how blood-flow forces after fistula creation drive lumen expansion and clinical maturation, and why maturation fails.
Blood-flow imaging and computational modeling of arteriovenous access
A unique database of blood-flow imaging and computational simulations used to investigate hemodynamics and mechanotransduction in vascular cells.
Therapeutic strategies to prevent arteriovenous fistula maturation failure
Developing novel approaches including nanotechnology, natural vascular scaffolding, and molecular targets to enhance fistula maturation.
Vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease progression in chronic kidney disease
Uncovering mechanisms linking vascular dysfunction, CKD, and CVD to improve outcomes.
Leadership
Yan-Ting Shiu, PhD, is a Professor in the Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah.
She is an Investigator at the Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI) and holds the Dialysis Research Foundation Endowed Chair of Internal Medicine. She is also adjunct faculty in Biomedical Engineering.
Commitment to Mentorship
Dr. Shiu has trained over 50 trainees, including visiting scholars, PhD students, MS students, and undergraduate students.
She received the 2023 University of Utah Office of Undergraduate Research Award for outstanding undergraduate research mentoring, and the Shiu Lab is actively recruiting new students and postdocs.
