Projects
Exciting ongoing research
Exciting Research in the Davis Laboratory
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Biomaterials for cardiac drug delivery- In collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Niren Murthy, we are currently examining the potential of polyketal particles to deliver unstable proteins and small molecule inhibitors to the myocardium. The purpose of these studies is to determine the role of prolonged myocardial exposure to anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in the process of cardiac preservation and regeneration following myocardial infarction. Our studies utilize total coronary occlusion, as well as ischemia/reperfusion models, to study the delivery of these potentially useful carriers to the heart. We currently have several projects involving these exciting polymers. In addition to polyketal particles, our laboratory also utilizes self-assembling peptide nanofibers as a scaffold to deliver various stem cell populations to the heart for cardiac cell therapy. The nanofibers can also be used as a drug delivery vehicle for larger proteins. |
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Local changes to the mycoardium following injury- Local signals released from damaged or dying myocytes play a major role in the maladaptive changes following acute myocardial infarction. Persistence of these signals may also play a role in the progression of the disease in to heart failure. Using genetic models, our laboratory seeks to determine the role of locally produced hydrogen peroxide, as well as eventual activation of numerous signaling pathways, in the progression of myocardial injury leading to cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. These exciting studies may present new therapeutic targets for the disease that will be investigated in the near future. |
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Cardiac stem cell therapy- Cardiac-resident stem cells have generated great excitement in animal trials and human studies may be on the horizon. Despite this enthusiasm, we are still discovering pathways that promote survival, migration, and differentiation of these cells. We use genetic models, as well as biomaterial-based therapies to uncover how these cells react to oxidative stress and pathophysiological stimuli. By gathering more information as to how these cells respond, we hope it will lead to advances in the clinical management of myocardial dysfunction. |
