A Mercer University College of Pharmacy doctoral student has been awarded a two-year $70,676 American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship for her research into how the gut microbiome may influence high blood pressure.
Emmanuella Ezewudo received the grant for her research project titled “Novel role of a gut-microbiota-derived metabolite in Angiotensin-II induced Hypertension.” She works in the laboratory of Dr. Raquibul Hasan, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.
Ezewudo’s work addresses a critical gap in hypertension research. While the hormone angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to play a central role in high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, growing evidence suggests that its harmful effects are amplified through excessive production of endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most potent vasoconstrictor discovered to date.
Her project explores a previously unrecognized connection between the gut microbiome and this Ang II–ET-1 signaling axis, investigating how gut-derived metabolites influence vascular dysfunction, blood pressure regulation, and kidney injury.
Ezewudo’s project builds on discoveries from her mentor, Dr. Hasan, whose National Institutes of Health- and American Heart Association-funded research focuses on developing novel therapies for drug-resistant hypertension, vascular inflammation and cardiometabolic disease. Hasan’s lab integrates molecular pharmacology, vascular physiology and in vivo disease models to identify new treatment strategies.
“This fellowship allows me to focus deeply on my research and to explore new ideas that could ultimately improve how hypertension is treated,” Ezewudo said. “I am grateful for the continuous support of Mercer University and its staff, plus the profound mentorship of Dr. Raquibul Hasan that makes this work possible. I am equally grateful for the support of my laboratory members, both past and present. I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute to the field in a meaningful way.”
The American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship will support Ezewudo’s continued training as she prepares for a career as an independent cardiovascular scientist.
“This fellowship provides Emmanuella with the protected time, mentorship and resources needed to advance her research and professional development,” said Dr. Hasan. “Her work has the potential to open new directions in how we understand and treat hypertension.”
