Hypertension is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease in the United States. Results from major epidemiological studies give evidence to the essential role that dietary salt plays in the development of
hypertension, further leading to endothelial dysfunction. Further studies suggest that hypertension might be mediated by the effects of PER1 signaling on the vasculature.

The major focus of the study is to develop an understanding of how the clock protein PER1 regulates endothelial function and the role of ET-1 in mediating those effects.