Heart Disease Basic Science Research

NYU Cardiothoracic Surgeons focus their basic research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and remodeling of injured vessels, the pathogenesis of aortic valve calcification and the analysis of gene expression in mitral valve prolapse. By understanding these processes, the team aims to develop novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools to improve the treatment of patients with heart diseases.

Molecular Mechanisms of Blood Vessel Formation (Angiogenesis)

We study the molecular mechanisms that control the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Intimal Hyperplasia

Our studies have shown that arterial ballooning or implantation of venous bypass conduit causes rapid activation of signals inside the vascular cells and a cascade of events that eventual lead to the formation of intimal hyperplasia

Molecular Mechanisms of Aortic Valve Calcification

Calcific aortic stenosis is the most frequent heart valve disease and the main cause of valve replacement in patients over the age of 60.

Analysis of Gene Expression in Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common cardiac valvular abnormality in industrialized countries, and the leading cause of mitral valve surgery for isolated mitral regurgitation. This is the first study ever undertaken to analyze differences in gene expression between valves from normal individuals and valves from patients with mitral valve prolapse.