Research

For the past 18 years, Dr. Atluri has been focused on studying endogenous and exogenous progenitor cell mediated therapy for heart failure.  Early investigation evaluated cytokine mediated upregulation of endogenous circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as therapy for heart failure.  Subsequent studies evaluated direct cell therapy with EPCs to rescue ischemic myocardium, with research focused on the entire bench to bedside spectrum of cell therapy, including small animal, large animal and human basic science studies.  Recent work has focused on addressing the significant limitations that prevent successful translation of basic science cell therapy to clinical therapy, including cell retention and survival.  We are currently focused on developing and evaluating tissue engineered delivery techniques to overcome the limitations of traditional therapy. 

In the Atluri lab, we use approaches from different fields to produce novel treatments for ischemic heart conditions.  This includes using surgical, bioengineering, and biological approaches to improve perfusion and function of the ischemic tissue. The following topics currently being investigated in the Atluri Lab include: (I) Novel Therapies for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, (2) Pathophysiology of Stress Cardiomyopathy, and (iii) Nanoparticle Solutions for Cardiac Drug Delivery.

 

Novel Therapies for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Examines the effects of promising treatments for ischemic heart disease, including stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles, anti-inflammatory agents, and microtubule-targeted therapies. The safety and effectiveness of novel drug delivery vehicles, including hydrogels and nanoparticles, are being studied. 

 

This project is led by Dr. Noah Weingarten. 

Collaborators: Dr. Jason Burdick (University of Colorado) and Dr. Christopher Rodell (Drexel University)

Pathophysiology of Stress Cardiomyopathy

Characterizing the mechanisms by which stress cardiomyopathy manifests to ultimately find therapies that target different markers found to be upregulated in that disease process.

 

This project is led by Dr. Amit Iyengar. 

Nanoparticle Solutions for Cardiac Drug Delivery

After a patient undergoes a heart attack, considerable damage has occurred to the heart. By encapsulating therapies including antioxidants in a nanoparticle, the Atluri Lab utilizes bioengineering as a mode of partial repair to some of the effects of reperfusion injury. 

 

This project is led by Dr. D. Alan Herbst.  

Collaborators: Dr. Tsourkas (University of Pennsylvania)