Research
Research within the Center is currently focused on the projects
of individual faculty. In addition, there is an established and
active Core Facility in Genomics, and another in the planning
stages in Gene Therapy.
 George Zallie Laboratory for Cardiovascular Gene Therapy
Director: Walter
J. Koch, Ph.D.
The multidisciplinary work of the Gene Transfer Core introduces
human genes into any organ in the body—heart, lung, kidney, brain—in
order to change the function of targeted organs or cells. The
genes turn on (or off) certain mechanisms, such as the production
of certain proteins. Gene therapy includes putting genes into
cells to:
- replace defective genes (as in cystic fibrosis,
metabolic diseases)
- change the function of normal genes (heart failure,
angiogenesis—growth of new blood vessels)
The research includes mouse models as well as larger animal
models, in order to validate before testing in humans. Genes
are introduced into the system via a virus and are delivered
either through cardiopulmonary bypass, or by subselective catheterization
(similar to the use of angioplasty/stent). All research is disease-based.
Animal Models of Disease and Cardiac Physiology Core
Director: Walter
J. Koch, Ph.D.
This core, maintained by Dr. Gao, was established in 2003 to
provide support for animal studies involving cardiac diseases
and measuring in vivo physiology. It currently supports research
projects of Dr. Koch as well as Dr. Rabinowitz; Arthur Feldman,
M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and Magee Professor, Department of Medicine;
and Xin Ma, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine.
Eugene Feiner Lab for Vascular Biology and Thrombosis
Director: Andrea
Eckhart, Ph.D.
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