Center for Cardiovascular Genetic Research
Studies heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
Ali J. Marian, MD– Professor and Director
6770 Bertner Avenue, DAC 900, Houston, Texas 77030
Office and Lab Phone: 713.500.2312; Fax: 713.500.2320
Patient Appointments: 713.500.2310 or 713.500.2345
The IMM Center for Cardiovascular Genetic Research (CCGR), established in 2006, focuses on elucidation of molecular genetics and pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases in humans. Located on the 9th floor of the Denton A. Cooley Building at the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s, the Center provides specialized clinical services to patients with genetic cardiovascular disorders through the Texas Heart Institute Clinic. The research activities at the Center entail human molecular genetic studies as well studies in genetic models of human heart disease.
The Mission of the Center for Cardiovascular Genetic Research (CCGR) is to diagnose and prevent cardiovascular diseases in humans prior to development of the clinical manifestations and to reverse or attenuate the evolving phenotype in those who already have developed the disease.
The ongoing basic research in our laboratory encompasses three groups:
Human Molecular Genetic Studies
- To identify the causal and modifier genes for various forms of cardiomyopathies
- To identify causal and susceptibility alleles for premature myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
Functional Studies
- To delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathies
- Various in vitro studies in cultured myocytes and other cells
- Studies in genetically modified animal models
Rescue, reversal, and attenuation of the phenotype in cultured cells in genetically modified animal models
The ongoing clinical research in our laboratory is:
- Recruitment and phenotyping of individuals and families with various genetic cardiovascular diseases
- Identification of diagnostic markers and biomarkers for various cardiovascular diseases
- Pharmacological intervention to prevent, attenuate and reverse the evolving phenotype in cardiomyopathies