Projects and Grants

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of endothelial repair and atherosclerosis
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jason Kovacic
Agency: National Institutes of Health; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Type: 1K08HL111330-01
Period: 12/12/2011 – 11/30/2016
The major goals of this project are to characterize the contribution of endothelial cells to arterial homeostasis, arterial repair and atherosclerosis. Using unique models this project will define the function of endothelial cells in these processes and also investigate the ability of endothelial cells to change their phenotype to become smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts or other cells that drive atherosclerosis.

Functional and molecular genetics of vascular disease
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jason Kovacic
Although a wealth of data indicate a genetic contribution to FMD and other cardiovascular diseases, these underlying genetic defects and their effects on vascular cell function remain largely unknown. This is despite numerous major research efforts, which have only accounted for a fraction of the relevant genetic predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. This lack of knowledge about the genetics of cardiovascular disease presents a roadblock to developing targeted therapies, and a novel approach is required. Here, we propose a cell- and patient-specific approach to investigate the functional, molecular and genetic defects underlying FMD and other vascular diseases.