2025 Eugene M. Landis Awardee

Donald G. Welsh, PhD

Donald Welsh and his lab teamAs a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Western University and Scientist at the Robarts Research Institute, my research focuses on vascular biology, particularly the regulation of blood flow in resistance arteries. Using rodent models, the Welsh Lab investigates ion channel regulation using electrophysiology in isolated smooth muscle cells, whole vessel dynamic pressure responses, confocal and multiphoton microscopy, MRI, and molecular biology techniques. We investigate how endothelial and smooth muscle cells interact through ion channels, gap junctions, and mechanical forces to shape vascular tone and tissue perfusion.
Mentorship has been central to my academic career. I’ve trained a diverse and hugely talented group of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and medicine. I foster a research environment that values curiosity, rigor, and professional growth, with trainees actively contributing to publications and presenting at national and international conferences.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of our work. I’ve partnered with colleagues at Florida International University, UC Davis, and the University of Toronto to integrate electrophysiology, molecular biology, and advanced imaging in our studies of vascular function. These interdisciplinary efforts have expanded the reach and impact of our discoveries.
I’m honored to be recognized for both research and mentorship. I remain deeply committed to advancing vascular biology and shaping the next generation of scientists—values I bring to the Landis Award.
 
Recent Publications:
  1. Kowalewska P, Sancho M, Fabris S, Huff MW, Gros R, Welsh DG. From Cells-to-Organism: Impact of Dyslipidemia on Inwardly Rectifying K+ Channels and Cerebral Vascular Function. JCBFM-0367-25-ORIG.R1, Accepted.
  2. Haghbin N, Richter DM, Kharche S, Kim MSM, Welsh DG. Functional bias of contractile control in mouse resistance arteries. Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 22;14(1):24940. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-75838-8. PMID: 39438518
  3. El-Lakany MA, Welsh DG. TRP channels: a provocative rationalization for local Ca2+ control in arterial tone development. Front Physiol. 2024 Feb 28;15:1374730. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1374730. eCollection 2024. PMID: 38482193
  4. Kowalewska PM, Milkovich SL, Goldman D, Sandow SL, Ellis CG, Welsh DG. Capillary oxygen regulates demand-supply coupling by triggering connexin40-mediated conduction: Rethinking the metabolic hypothesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Feb 20;121(8):e2303119121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2303119121. Epub 2024 Feb 13. PMID: 38349880
  5. Mironova GY, Kowalewska PM, El-Lakany M, Tran CHT, Sancho M, Zechariah A, Jackson WF, Welsh DG. The conducted vasomotor response and the principles of electrical communication in resistance arteries. Physiol Rev. 2024 Jan 1;104(1):33-84. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00035.2022. Epub 2023 Jul 6. PMID: 37410448 Free PMC article. Review.