Metabolic Systems

Mathematical modeling and computer simulation are used to analyze changes in cellular metabolism of tissues, organs, and the whole body. Non-invasive or minimally invasive measurements are obtained with human exercise studies under normal and diseased conditions. Cellular metabolic changes are quantitatively related to physiological changes. Projects include cellular metabolic mechanisms of myocardial ischemia, cellular metabolism and energetics in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue metabolism with insulin resistance, and whole-body energy balance.

Cardiac and Vascular Systems

Cellular and molecular imaging technologies and mathematical modeling are combined with molecular, cellular, and tissue measurements to analyze mechanisms of heart disease. Therapeutic strategies are developed related to biomechanical, vascular, and electrophysiological functions. Cardiovascular physiology and metabolic regulation are studied using ECG signals, magnetic resonance imaging, optical mapping, and spectroscopy. Projects include cellular mechanisms of sudden cardiac death, cell and gene therapy for arrhythmias, ion channel structure and function, and myocardial ischemia.

Biomedical Sensors

Biomedical sensing integrates biologically derived sensing components with a transducer for in vitro and in vivo measurements of chemical and biological substances. Research includes the development and use of electrochemical, optical mini- and micro-sensors, micro-fabricated devices such as BioMEMS chips, quantitative analysis of cellular transport and communication, cost-effective in vitro diagnostics, and continuous in vivo diagnostics.

 Affiliated Labs and Centers

• Advanced Platform Technology Center
• Autonomic Neural Prostheses and Neurophysiology Laboratory
• Case Neuromodulation Center
• Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center (FES)
• Neural Engineering Center
• Neurological Surgery Imaging Laboratory
• Darnoff-Dell'Osso Ocular Mobility Laboratory

Faculty