Discovery, Therapeutics, and Education
We are excited about translational science & clinical outcomes research on topics that impact patients with heart failure
Our laboratory is located at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
Metabolic Reprogramming of Donor Hearts Improve Function
Harmful metabolic processes are well underway during cold preservation of donor hearts. We discovered a method to increase the expression of beneficial enzymes which augment the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites. This leads to lowered oxidative stress, reduced myocardial injury and translates into better cardiac function following transplantation. Future strategies to reduce primary graft dysfunction could involve precise modulation of these cardiac metabolic pathways.
Cold Preservation Induces Changes in the Physical Attributes of molecular Interactions in Donor Hearts
Hypothermic preservation is often seen as pressing the “pause button” on all molecular processes in donor organs with subsequent transplantation reanimating the organ where it last left off. Research from our group sheds light on how the cold preservation process itself hinders a range of molecular interactions. These mechanisms contribute to impaired donor heart function following transplantation into the recipient.
Studying the Impact of Valve Disease on LVAD Outcomes
Valve diseases such as aortic and mitral valve regurgitation can influence the short and long-term outcomes of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. The presence of significant valve regurgitation can reduce the benefits of mechanical circulatory support and negatively impact right heart function. Our team generates new knowledge on the interplay between valve function and circulatory support with LVADs. This helps us better manage patients receiving ventricular assist device therapy.
Precision Health Approach to End-Stage Heart Failure
Our Biobank currently houses hundreds of myocardial and serum samples from patients with heart failure as well as those with normal heart function. This repository has enabled us to perform Omics-guided molecular phenotyping of patients with end-stage heart failure. Our analysis revealed specific “molecular signatures” that can help predict outcomes from therapies such as LVADs. Mitral regurgitation resolution for example is predicted by expression of a specific pre-LVAD myocardial transcriptome.
Big Data Analysis of Multi-Insitutional Clinical Registries
We are leveraging access to large national databases to discover answers for important management issues faced by heart failure patients. Data on tens of thousands of patients in these national and international registries allow us to harness machine learning and other advanced statistical techniques to address knowledge gaps in heat failure related conditions. Detailed data analyses are carried out by experienced individuals in our lab and we also work closely with statisticians to gain additional insights.