The principal focus of our lab is the study of mechanisms that regulate VSMC contraction and relaxation, specifically by inhibition and activation of myosin phosphatase. The physiological regulation of vascular tone is critical to the maintenance of normal vascular function. Abnormalities of vascular tone are a hallmark of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are the principal cellular component of blood vessels and their contractile state regulates vascular tone.