{"id":18,"date":"2011-11-08T10:17:15","date_gmt":"2011-11-08T15:17:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/?page_id=18"},"modified":"2013-09-06T17:36:16","modified_gmt":"2013-09-06T21:36:16","slug":"professional-profiles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/professional-profiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Profiles"},"content":{"rendered":"

Victoria Bolotina, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Bolotina is the director of the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute’s Training Program. Trainees will focus on ion channels and mechanisms of calcium signaling in the cardiovascular system. Techniques involve patch-clamp, high-resolution, confocal and deconvolution imaging, molecular and biochemical techniques (including knock-out mice models).\u00a0 A particular focus is the store-operated channels and capacitative calcium influx pathways.<\/p>\n

Christopher Akey, Ph.D, Professor\"cakey\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will use structural electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography to study the function of protein translocation channels (Ribosome-ER channel, Nuclear Pore complex) and chaperones that assemble the Nucleosome, Apoptosome and snRNPs.<\/p>\n



David Atkinson, Ph.D, Professor\"David-Atkinson\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees would have the opportunity to relate structure and function of the plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins.\u00a0 In particular, the structural and molecular basis of lipid transport and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the body are investigated by x-ray chrystallography, electron microscopy, thermodynamic and spectroscopic methods.

<\/p>\n

Emelia Benjamin, MD, Professor\"benjamin_web_picturebenjamin_emelia-003a\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees with Dr. Benjamin investigate the genetics, epidemiology and prognosis of atrial fibrillation, stroke, vascular function and the relation of systemic inflammatory biomarkers to cardiovascular disease. Combinations of analytical biochemistry, imaging modalities (vascular ultrasound), and assessment of vascular stiffness are related to sub-clinical, vascular pathology.\u00a0 Opportunities then exist to go back to the basic laboratory (with any of the basic faculty) to evaluate correlative findings to provide proof-of-principle. Many collaborations exist that will benefit trainees including Drs. Freedman, Vita, and Farrer.<\/p>\n

David Center, MD, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will benefit from expertise in IL-16, discovered by Dr. Center. Ongoing studies involve the functional characteristic of Pro-IL-16 as a cell cycle suppressor by increasing levels of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27 by repression of the gene for Skp2, a member of the ubiquitin ligase protein degradation complex.\u00a0 Collaborative opportunities exist for IL-16 investigation in vascular disease. Dr. Center has a long-standing T32 program that has agreed to continue to collaborate with the current program to share teaching in basic science techniques, biostatistics and grant writing seminars.<\/p>\n

Aram Chobanian, MD, Professor and President emeritus, Executive Committee\"BU<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr.Chobanian has been a Professor of Medicine at Boston University since 1971 and was the founder of the current training grant program.\u00a0 He was the Director of the Cardiovascular Institute from 1974-1992 and later was Dean of the Medical School.\u00a0 He is also the past President of Boston University.\u00a0 His past administrative and scientific experiences are unique and provide invaluable insight into the needs of the trainees, mentors, issues of recruitment, and teaching.<\/p>\n

Richard Cohen, MD, Professor, Executive Committee\"Richard-Cohen\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Cohen is the Director of the Vascular Biology Unit and trainees in his laboratory will be involved in a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of basic and translational mechanisms of redox control of vascular function.\u00a0 This will include approaches utilizing the Cardiovascular Proteomics Center which is also directed by Dr. Cohen.
<\/p>\n

Wilson Colucci, MD, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees in the Colucci Laboratory investigate the signaling mechanisms that mediate the development of myocardial remodeling and failure.\u00a0 Work is performed both in vitro<\/em> in cardiac myocytes or in vivo<\/em> in mouse and rat models of myocardial remodeling.\u00a0 Trainees would focus on signaling molecules that regulate cardiac myocyte phenotype, and in particular, the role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the regulation of myocyte growth, apoptosis and function.<\/p>\n

Barbara Corkey, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Corkey laboratory is in engaged in metabolic research, with a particular focus on signal transduction.\u00a0 Projects in metabolic regulation have been ongoing since 1980 and include work in \u00df-cells, adipose tissue, liver, and human fibroblasts, from subjects with diabetes and inborn errors of metabolism.<\/p>\n

Isabel Dominguez, MD, Assistant Professor<\/h3>\n

Our research interest is to understand the cascade of intracellular events that leads to the activation of Wnt signaling and the biological role of the Wnt pathway during organ development and maintenance.<\/p>\n

Douglas Faller,\u00a0 MD, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will benefit from the study of basic molecular and cellular biology of virus- and oncogene-transformed cells and tumors.\u00a0 Abnormal proliferation is a common feature of cardiovascular disease, and Dr. Faller has produced new information regarding the transduction of growth factor signals by second messenger systems in both normal and transformed cells.\u00a0 This work interacts with the study of redox-mediated, polyploidizatin in the Ravid laboratory.\u00a0 Dr. Faller also oversees an Oncobiology T32 program.<\/p>\n

Lindsey Farrer, Ph.D, Professor <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Farrer is a genetic epidemiologist, board-certified medical geneticist, and an expert in identifying genes for both rare and complex disorders.\u00a0 He has directed several large multi-center genetic studies in Alzheimer disease, Waardenburg syndrome and metabolic syndrome and trainees may participate in his ongoing programs.<\/p>\n

Jane Freedman, MD, Professor<\/h3>\n

<\/span>Former director of the program, Dr. Freedman is a practicing clinician whose own laboratory has both a basic scientific component that investigates basic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and a second laboratory which extends these findings using high-throughput techniques to determine the clinical relevance of many of the basic findings.\u00a0 Both laboratories extensively collaborate with other investigators (>20 groups) both at BUSM, outside institutions, and industry.<\/p>\n

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Haralambos Gavras, MD, Professor\"Haralambos-Gavras1\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will be involved in studies on the therapeutics and genetics of hypertension. These involve interaction of bradykinin receptors and the angiotensin converting enzyme and its effects on ischemic heart disease and renal sodium handling. Trainees also investigate \u03b12<\/sub>-adrenergic receptor contribution to salt-dependent or rennin-dependent hypertension as well as gene expression in target organ tissues of animals and humans with various types of hypertension.\u00a0 An important collaboration includes ongoing work with the Genetics section (Dr. Farrer).<\/p>\n

Caroline Genco, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Genco\u2019s laboratory is involved in bridging inflammation, infection and atherosclerosis.\u00a0 Specifically, trainees will be involved in understanding innate immunity, pathogens, and athero-thrombosis.\u00a0 She has previous collaborated with Dr. Freedman examining infectious and pathogen triggers for unstable coronary syndromes and novel mechanisms of thrombosis.<\/p>\n

Noyan Gokce, MD, Associate Professor\"Gokce-picture\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will evaluate the utility of assessing endothelial function as a surrogate for short-term and long-term cardiovascular risk.\u00a0 Other studies focus on characterizing the relationship between adipose issue and its impact on the vascular system using clinical methods.\u00a0 Trainees will also work actively with Drs. Ruderman, Corkey, and Vita.<\/p>\n

Naomi Hamburg, MD Assistant Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Hamburg performs clinical and epidemiological research that examines the vascular consequences of insulin resistance and diabetes. Her trainees have the opportunity to complete translational and interventions studies that examine mechanisms endothelial dysfunction in human subjects and to work with the Framingham Heart Study investigators on relevance of endothelial dysfunction to risk factors and cardiovascular events. Dr. Hamburg\u2019s trainees have the opportunity to collaborate closely with Drs. Vita, Gokce, Hamburg, Vasan, Walsh, Cohen, and Ruderman.<\/p>\n

James Hamilton, Ph.D, Professor\"James_Hamilton_photo_Juniata\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Hamilton\u2019s laboratory is developing and applying novel physical approaches to study of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. In newer studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is applied to examine fat tissue and atherosclerosis in animal model systems (mouse and rabbit) and humans.

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Joshua Hare, MD, Professor, Advisory Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Hare has broad scientific expertise in heart failure, stem cells, and myoctye biology.\u00a0 He directs the Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami and has extensive administrative and mentoring expertise.\u00a0 He will provide assistance in these areas as well as in general and minority recruitment.<\/p>\n

Victoria Herrera, MD, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Herrera\u2019s laboratory studies the basic molecular mechanisms regulated hypertension.<\/p>\n

Angela Jefferson, MD, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Neurology\"Angela-Jefferson\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Jefferson investigates cognitive function and impairment with a specific interest in these areas in patients with cardiovascular disease. <\/strong><\/p>\n


Michael Kirber, Ph.D, Associate Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees interacting with Dr. Kirber will benefit from the development of advanced fluorescence imaging technology for biomedical applications. He has designed and constructed a two-photon confocal microscope with very high-speed, wide-field fluorescence imaging that affords two-photon confocal images to be acquired at frame rates in excess of 500 frames per second for real-time assessment of key physiological events such as protein phosphorylation. Dr. Kirber has active collaborations with Drs. Bolotina, Freedman, and Cohen.<\/p>\n

Michael LaValley, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. LeValley directs the statistical course and has made himself available for general questions and consultation by the trainees on statistical matters.<\/p>\n

William Lehman, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Post-doctoral work in this program involves the structural interactions of protein components of actin-containing muscle thin filaments using a combination of high-resolution electron microscopy and 3D image reconstruction.\u00a0 The aim is to elucidate mechanisms regulating contractility in cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles and determine corresponding contractile dysfunction in disease.<\/p>\n

Steven Lentz, MD, Ph.D, Professor, Advisory Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Lentz is an expert in understanding the interface between coagulation, thrombosis and atherosclerosis using basic and translational techniques.\u00a0 He is a Professor and Chief at the University of Iowa with experience directing a training program and is available for issues of recruitment and as an external site for scientific interaction.<\/p>\n

Joseph Loscalzo, MD, Ph.D, Professor, Advisory Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Loscalzo has expertise in a wide range of research in cardiovascular disease.\u00a0 He also has administrative and clinical expertise as the Chairman of the Department of Medicine.\u00a0 He is the previous Director of the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute at BUSM.<\/p>\n

James McKnight, Ph.D, Associate Professor <\/strong><\/h3>\n

This lab studies the structural aspects of protein folding and the assembly of protein lipid complexes.\u00a0 Specifically, the assembly of the VLDL and LDL have been highlighted using NMR, X-ray crystallography, and other techniques.<\/p>\n

Francisco Naya, Ph.D, Assistant Professor\"naya-photo-copy\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

His tries to understand the transcriptional pathways involved in the differentiation of cardiac and skeletal muscle.\u00a0 He\u00a0 the MEF2 transcription factor family since these factors have been shown to play important roles in muscle differentiation.\u00a0 They employ a variety of cell and molecular techniques such as transgenic mice, microarray, and chromatin immunoprecipitation to delineate the specific function of MEF2 factors in cardiac gene regulation.<\/p>\n

Katya Ravid, Ph.D, Professor, Executive Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Ravid\u2019s laboratory has expertise in megakaryocyte\/platelet biology and vascular biology.\u00a0 She also directs the Pre-doctoral Cardiovascular Training Grant and the Transgenic Core Facility.<\/p>\n

Vasan Ramachandran, MD, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees with Dr. Ramachandran will relate biomarkers of pathways and variation in candidate genes to echocardiographic phenotypes, vascular function and clinical vascular outcomes including heart failure.\u00a0 Thus, trainees will determine genotype-phenotype correlations to delineate the role of oxidative stress, inflammation and growth factors in pathology. Opportunities then exist to go back to the basic laboratory (with any of the basic faculty) to evaluate correlative findings to provide proof-of-principle.\u00a0 This approach has already proven fruitful with an ongoing collaboration with Drs. Freedman and Benjamin.<\/p>\n

Frederick Ruberg, MD, Assistant Professor\"FLRuberg-Photo\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

His research interest is in the application of MRI-based techniques, including MR spectroscopy, to quantify lipid (fat) deposition within the heart and vasculature as it relates to cardiac and vascular dysfunction.\u00a0 He also has a strong interest in amyloid cardiomyopathy, and the utility of cardiac MR in the diagnosis and management of this disease.<\/p>\n

Neil Ruderman, MD, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Ruderman\u2019s laboratory has had a long-standing interest in how disorders of fuel metabolism cause disease.\u00a0 His research focused on mechanisms by which exercise could alter fuel metabolism and in doing so diminish the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications.\u00a0 In recent years this interest has led him to study two molecules, AMPK and SIRT1, and the hypothesis that their dysregulation could be a cause of the metabolic syndrome and a target for its therapy.<\/p>\n

Nelson Ruiz-Opazo, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will be involved in rat models of polygenic hypertension, such as the Dahl S rat model, to identify susceptibility genes for polygenic hypertension.\u00a0 These studies also involved gender-specific analyses using F2-intercross cohorts for both males and females and 24-hour, non-stress, radiotelemetric measurements of blood pressure.\u00a0 Trainees will pursue ongoing results from total genome scans that have identified gender-specific quantitative trait loci for hypertension and its sequelae.<\/p>\n

David Salant, MD, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees in Dr. Salant\u2019s laboratory will investigate experimental models of immunological glomerular diseases and autoimmunity resembling those seen in man are used to obtain a fundamental understanding of the immunopathogenetic mechanisms of injury.<\/p>\n

Flora Sam, MD, Associate Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Sam\u2019s research is focused on studying pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mechanisms that mediate cardiac remodeling in heart failure and hypertension. A current focus is to understand the role of aldosterone in mediating the myocyte phenotype in cardiac remodeling. She studies these mechanisms by using cultured cardiac myocytes (in vitro) and genetically-modified mice (in vivo), to determine the relationship between molecular\/cellular events involved in cardiac remodeling and the changes in physiological function that can be assessed at the single myocyte and whole heart level in genetically-modified mice<\/p>\n

Orian Shirihai, Ph.D, Associate Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The lab is focused on the study of mitochondrial biology and physiology with special interest in mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics. The lab explores the biology of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. These investigations are utilize advanced imaging techniques that were developed by the lab.<\/p>\n

Donald Small, Ph.D, Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees will investigate the fundamental mechanism(s) by which apolipoprotein B (apoB) is translated and translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum and assembled with lipids to form a nascent lipoprotein particle. Trainees also analyze the physical properties of lipids, fats, oils, detergents, proteins and lipid-protein assemblies and how these properties may influence the vascular wall.<\/p>\n

Ross Summer, MD, Assistant Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees investigate the molecular interaction between lung and adipose tissue and the role that adipocyte dysfunction plays in the development of lung disease. One specific area on interest is on the adipocyte-derived factor adiponectin. Findings indicate that disruption in adiponectin signaling leads to emphysema-like changes and to pulmonary hypertension in mice. Currently, my laboratory is investigating the cellular targets and the downstream signaling\u00a0pathways\u00a0mediating adiponectin’s effects in lung.<\/p>\n

Joseph Vita, MD, Professor, Executive Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. Vita oversees an NIH-funded program of clinical and translational research that examines mechanisms and clinical relevance of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. His recent studies have focused on mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in the patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus He has close collaborative relationships with basic scientists at BUSM, including Drs. Freedman, Walsh, Shirihai, Cohen, and Ruderman. Dr. Vita also works closely with epidemiologists at the Framingham Heart Study, including Drs. Vasan, Benjamin, and Hamburg. Dr. Vita runs a unique clinical and research training program designed to train future academic leaders in the field of Vascular Medicine that is funded as a K12 grant.\u00a0 Dr. Vita has considerable experience with the design and conduct of multi-center clinical trials. He served on the planning committees and was a clinical site for a number of clinical trials including ASPIRE, CARATS, PACT, TACT, and DIVA. He was involved in the study design and currently serves on the DSMB for CLEVER, an NIH-funded clinical trial for the management of PAD. Dr. Vita works closely with Dr. Wiviott at TIMI Group and serves on Clinical Event Committees for ExTRACT, TRITON, IMPROVE-IT, ATLAS, ATLAS-II, TRAP2\u00b0P, SEPIA, AVANTE GARDE, ENGAGE, SOLID, and SAVOR. Dr. Vita\u2019s trainees have the opportunity to obtain training in the conduct of translational research, epidemiology, and clinical trials and to work closely with other mentors at BUSM and the Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n

Kenneth Walsh, Ph.D, Professor, Executive Committee<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Research in the Walsh laboratory focuses on signaling- and transcriptional-regulatory mechanisms that control normal and pathological tissue growth in the cardiovascular system. Many of these studies involve analyses of the PI3-kinase\/Akt\/GSK\/Forkhead signaling axis, which is of critical importance in the regulation of organ growth and body size. Signaling through this pathway controls cellular enlargement (hypertrophy), cell death (apoptosis), and blood vessel recruitment and growth (angiogenesis). His laboratory has constructed numerous transgenic mouse strains to examine these signaling pathways in vivo <\/em> Recently this laboratory has extended its research program to study how metabolic dysfunction contributes to cardiovascular pathology at a molecular level.<\/em><\/p>\n

Stephen Wiviott, MD, Assistant Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As an investigator with the prestigious Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group, Dr. Wiviott plays an important role in the planning, implementation and interpretation of several multicenter, national and international clinical trials.\u00a0 He has played leadership roles in the JUMBO \u2013 TIMI 26 trial and the TRITON \u2013 TIMI 38 trial the major phase 2 and phase 3 trials of prasugrel a third generation thienopyridine.\u00a0 He was the Principal Investigator of PRINCIPLE \u2013 TIMI 44, a study comparing high-dose clopidogrel with prasugrel in patients undergoing PCI and of the TIMI 38 Coronary Stent Registry, an ongoing international registry of the long-term outcomes of patients receiving different types of intracoronary stents for acute coronary syndromes.\u00a0 He serves as the physician chairman of the TIMI Clinical Events Committee.<\/p>\n

Joyce Wong, Ph.D, Assistant Professor\"Joyce-Wong\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Her research interests lie in developing biomaterial systems for the detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, our focus lies in developing contrast agents to detect vulnerable plaque and atherosclerosis and vascular tissue engineering of vascular patches.
<\/p>\n

Zang Mengwei, MD, Ph.D, Assistant Professor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

AMP-activated protein kinase and NAD-dependent deacetylase, Sirtuin (SIRT1) in the control of energy metabolism, diabetes and atherosclerosis.<\/p>\n

Vassilis Zannis, Ph.D, Professor\"Vassilis-Zannis-1\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trainees in Dr. Zannis\u2019 laboratory study transcriptional regulation of the human apolipoprotein genes in vivo <\/em>using both transgenic mouse models and recombinant viral-mediated gene transfer.\u00a0 Trainees also investigate the roles of apoE and apoA-I in cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis and of how apoE impacts Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Victoria Bolotina, Ph.D, Professor Dr. Bolotina is the director of the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute’s Training Program. Trainees will focus on ion channels and mechanisms of calcium signaling in the cardiovascular system. Techniques involve patch-clamp, high-resolution, confocal and deconvolution imaging, molecular and biochemical techniques (including knock-out mice models).\u00a0 A particular focus is the store-operated channels and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3999,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":30,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3999"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18\/revisions\/49"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/wci-training-programs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}