INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS

cardiovascular research center

Research Programs

Our current research focuses on:

Investigator:  Satoru Eguchi,MD, PhD

Investigator:  Michael Autieri, PhD

The goal of this project is to determine the role and identity of the metalloprotese required for ErbB activation by angiotensin II in the vasculature.

Investigator:  AbdelKarim Sabri, PhD

Investigator:  Satoru Eguchi,MD, PhD

The goal of this project is to determine the role and identity of the metalloprotese required for ErbB activation by angiotensin II in the vasculature.

Investigator:  Steven Houser , PhD

To define the respective roles of sarcoplasmic reticulum and sodium calcium exchanger Ca transport to dysfunctional contractility in hypertrophied/failing feline and human myocytes.

Investigator:  Steven Houser , PhD

To establish reliable techniques for isolation of myocytes from human hearts and to characterize their basic physiological properties.

Investigator:  Michael Autieri, PhD

The specific aims are to determine the mechanisms responsible for AIF-1 growth enhancing properties in VSMC, determine AIF-1 protein-protein interactions, and determine if AIF-1 expression in endomyocardial biopsies is predective of cardiac allograft rejection and development of transplant arteriopathy.

Investigator:  AbdelKarim Sabri, PhD

The goals of this project are to determine the role of inflammatory proteases on cardiac remodeling in response to volume overload induced cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

Investigator:  Deborah Crabbe, MD

Investigator:  Victor Rizzo, PhD

The major goal of this project is determine the molecular properties through which caveolae participate in the mechanotransduction process. 

Investigator:  Steven Houser, PhD

To define the role of abnormal Ca regulation in diastolic dysfunction in failing human ventricular myocytes.

Investigator:  Alfred Bove, MD

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Investigator:  Alfred A. Bove, MD

Our current medical system is designed to address acute episodic care.  Chronic disease management, which requires consistent application and frequent monitoring of patient status, is problematic and inconsistent. According to the Institute of Medicine, a disconnect exists between the availability of comprehensive chronic disease management programs and their effective utilization – a real chasm. Especially in underserved populations, lack of surveillance and risk assessment allows these conditions to persist until an actual event occurs (heart attack, new angina or sudden death, stroke). Our objective is to develop and test new innovative approaches to address the goals of Healthy People 2010 and close this chasm in a proactive fashion.

Investigator:  Deborah Crabbe, MD

My research interests are centered on understanding the role of sex-related differences in the pathophysiology of left ventricular dysfunction. I have recently received a Minority Institution Research Scientist Development Award (KO1: Dr. Houser serving as the Mentor) to specifically investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system and estrogen status on LV remodeling after myocardial infarction.

Investigator:  Steven Houser, PhD

Contact Information:

Independence Blue Cross Cardiovascular Research
Center

Temple University School of Medicine

3500 N. Broad Street

10th Floor

Philadelphia, PA  19140

T: 215-707-4045

F: 215-707-5737

patricia.parker@temple.edu