About Us

A photo of the main entrance to Wolstein Research Building, a striking white and turquoise building on a sunny day.

The Case Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) is home to investigators focused on translating fundamental discovery from the bench to pre-clinical models and, ultimately, first-in-human studies. Major research areas include inflammation, metabolism, myopathy cardiovascular development, angiogenesis and stem cell biology. The diversity and collaborative interactions within the Institute and broader university community foster a multidisciplinary approach to basic and translational research. We set ourselves apart from other programs by embracing a strong culture of developing and promoting the careers of young scientists and physician-scientists in clinical, translational and basic research.

The net result of these efforts has been:

  • The establishment of premier research programs in basic/translational/and clinical research
  • Recruitment of outstanding clinician-scientists and research scientists
  • Acquisition of robust funding including multiple K-grants, R01s, and a T32 Cardiovascular training grant.

Major Research Areas:

  • Vascular Biology – Research efforts focus on the role of vascular cells in blood vessel development, angiogenesis, inflammation, injury and repair.
  • Cardiac Myocyte Biology – Research efforts are focused on understanding fundamental mechanisms governing the development, progression and complications of cardiac hypertrophy and failure.
  • Gene Regulation – Research efforts are directed towards understanding basic molecular mechanisms governing gene regulation with a focus on DNA-binding proteins and chromatin-modifying factors.
  • Inflammation & Immunity – The main focus is on the role of innate immunity – especially the development, differentiation and activation of myeloid lineage cells and their impact on the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and insulin resistance syndromes.
  • Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine – These research efforts are investigating the potential of several types of adult stem cell (umbilical cord, bone marrow, and circulating EPCs) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These efforts include elucidating molecular mechanisms aimed at reprogramming, expanding and genetically modifying adult stem cells and evaluating their therapeutic potential.
  • Arrhythmias – Using cardiac electrophysiological and pharmacological techniques, research efforts are focused on understanding mechanisms underlying the development of atrial flutter/fibrillation as well as novel pharmacologic and mechanical approaches to the treatment of this arrhythmia.  In collaboration with the Department of BioMedical Engineering in the School of Engineering, faculty members are investigating OCT-based methods to image the atrial wall and monitor ablation procedures.  Further, a novel OCT-based pace-maker is under development.