Heart failure is a complex, progressive condition involving cardiomyocyte dysfunction and structural changes to the heart. These pathogenic processes are further impacted by common metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes and inflammation. Teams seek to better understand the mechanisms adversely influencing heart function, contributing to disease risk and promoting response to treatments. Our long-term goals are focused on identifying novel therapeutic targets to restore cardiac function.
Common arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias often arise from inherited genetic variants. Researchers in our labs examine the interaction of these gene variants with other environmental factors, diet and nutrition, and the gut microbiome. Through state-of-the-art network and systems biology approaches, we look to advance tools and therapies that can diagnose problems, prevent arrhythmias from occurring, and restore the heart’s natural rhythm.
Through bench and clinical approaches, our researchers are advancing knowledge of genetic and cellular mechanisms in blood disorders and bone marrow diseases. Supported by our large clinical programs, our translational work is focused on target discovery and drug development for tumors affecting the blood, bones, marrow and lymphatic systems in children and adults, as well as genetic and acquired forms of anemia.
Vascular diseases of large and small vessel and coagulation abnormalities, including those resulting from platelet dysfunction, cause significant morbidity and mortality. Our team of basic, translational and clinical investigators lead efforts to understand basic mechanisms of vascular cells, clotting factors and platelet biology, and treatments to prevent atherosclerosis.
Kidney disease is increasing in the U.S. population, and is strongly related to hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders associated with endocrine dysfunction. Our researchers are leaders in multi-institutional efforts to understand disease mechanisms and develop treatments for genetic and acquired kidney diseases.