Inflammation

Hyaluronan Metabolism in the Failing Heart  

Little is known of the molecular composition of the heart. Hyaluronan, one of the most abundant components around cells in the hearts, contributes to the function of the healthy heart and to the failing heart. This NIH and American Heart Association-funded project from the Jones laboratory endeavors to understand the metabolic cues that contribute to production of hyaluronan and how it influences inflammation. 

Regulation of Heart Failure by the Immune System 

The Wysoczynski laboratory investigates how alterations in the immune system contributes to the pathophysiology of heart failure. By taking an integrated approach to understanding fundamental mechanisms, the lab studies the contribution of cardiovascular risk factors on immune homeostasis; the role of immunity to healing the heart after an attack; and the role of lipid mediators in controlling the initiation and resolution of inflammation in the heart.  

Exercise-Enhanced Resolution of Inflammation 

Exercise promotes quality of life and ameliorates inflammatory diseases by largely unknown mechanisms. In this project, the Hellmann laboratory examines mechanisms by which exercise antagonizes acute inflammation and contributes to the benefits afforded by exercise training. Insights from these studies could foster the development of tangible strategies to optimize the health benefits of exercise.  

Cardiovascular Health and Disease in Renal Function 

The mission of the Sears laboratory is to understand how different lifestyles and comorbidities influence kidney health. The lab examines how different factors such as exercise and cardiovascular disease influence renal inflammation, and how changes in the immune landscape of the kidney affect renal blood flow and sodium handling with the overall goal of understanding these relationships to improve cardiorenal health across the lifespan.