Rita Castro is a vascular biologist whose career began in the Inborn Errors of Sulphur Aminoacids Metabolism, with research on the molecular mechanisms of homocysteine-induced vascular toxicity. Her foundational studies demonstrated that homocysteine disrupts endothelial function indirectly through the accumulation of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), a potent inhibitor of cellular methylation. This work laid the groundwork for her ongoing exploration of how impaired methylation affects endothelial homeostasis and contributes to atherosclerosis. Currently, Castro leads the Castro Lab at Penn State University, a multidisciplinary research group focused on vascular biology and nutrition. Her lab integrates molecular, cellular, and preclinical models to investigate three major areas: 1. Dietary effects on vascular health — exploring how diet composition, micronutrient status, and metabolic alterations affect vascular function, inflammation, and epigenetic regulation. 2. Intergenerational metabolic and vascular programming — examining how maternal and paternal diets shape vascular and metabolic health across generations using mouse models of human atherosclerosis. 3. Atherosclerosis imaging and nanoparticle-based diagnostics — developing non-toxic MRI (Magnetic Ressonance Imaging) contrast agents and VCAM-1-targeted nanoparticles for early detection and monitoring of atherosclerosis, with a strong emphasis on high-resolution vascular imaging. Castro group employs advanced techniques including high-field MRI to quantify vascular plaque burden and collaborates with experts in nanomedicine, macronutrient (dietary fibers)-gut microbiome interactions. and metabolic research. Castro also investigates the role of diets on aquaporins, vascular and metabolic regulation, maintaining long-standing collaborations with the Soveral research team at the iMed.UL. Through these integrated efforts, Castro is advancing knowledge and therapeutic approaches for vascular and metabolic diseases.