Description of CVI Expertise

CVI Program Unit(s):
Myocyte Biology / Heart Failure

CVI Research Description:
My laboratory is actively involved in genetic epidemiology and molecular biology projects focused on the pathophysiology of heart failure and hypertensive heart disease.

Our genetic/molecular epidemiology research projects are focused on the identification of genetic determinants of the cardiac response to pressure-overload, and the progression of established systolic dysfunction. We utilize both genome-wide and candidate gene assoication study designs within well characterized patient cohorts to explore these hypotheses, with a particular focus on candidate genes related to the natriuretic peptide system, and the matrix metalloproteinase/TIMP signaling pathways. We are also utilizing the methodology of admixture-mapping to identify genetic loci associated with the development of cardiac hypertrophy in persons of African descent.

In parallel with these efforts we have an active basic science laboratory that is exploring the molecular aspects of natriuretic peptide biology and adaptive/maladaptive aspects of the unfolded protein response (ER stress) in the development of hypertensive heart disease. Related to these interests is a parallel interest in the proteomics of heart failure with a focus on ERAD-mediated protein ubiquitination and proteolysis.