SUMMARY
How changes in the regulation of smooth muscle contractile proteins contribute to human cardiovascular disease is unclear. The research program of Frank V. Brozovich, M.D., Ph.D., aims to identify changes in protein structure and/or cell signaling that result in abnormal contractility, including pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
Methods used in Dr. Brozovich's laboratory include transgenic, molecular biological, biochemical and biophysical experimental techniques.
Focus areas
Using the above techniques, experiments focus on:
- Identifying alterations in signaling pathways that contribute to cardiovascular disease processes
- Defining protein-protein interactions and protein phosphorylation in the NO-PKG pathway that regulate signaling and are important for muscle contractility
Significance to patient care
The long-term objective of Dr. Brozovich's laboratory is to identify new targets for rational drug design for the treatment of vascular disease.