Precise spatial and temporal interactions between molecules and cells are required for the development of tissues and organs within the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.Regulation of flow through blood vessels is necessary for providing tissues with nutrients and oxygen.
Disruption of these regulatory mechanisms causes congenital defects and diseases that subsequently impact normal organ function. A pathologic consequence of inadequate perfusion is tissue and organ ischemia that leads to fibrosis. PCOM faculty study the development and functions of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems with the goal of elucidating therapeutic interventions that may prevent and limit disease.
Biomedical sciences student Nnedi Osuji is working with PCOM's Dr. Cathy Hatcher to research genes and proteins that affect infants born with congenital heart defects. The goal of their lab is to develop a better understanding of why congenital heart defects occur, what can be done to prevent them, and identify treatments.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
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