April 13, 2017
Hello,
Today I am spotlighting our Brown Foundation Institute for Molecular Medicine (IMM), led by its executive director Dr. John Hancock, who also serves as our vice dean of research, professor and chair of the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, and the John S. Dunn Distinguished University Chair in Physiology and Medicine.
A translational research institute, the IMM is home to top scientists from around the globe – about 15 nationalities are represented. These outstanding investigators are tackling complex basic mechanisms and also working to translate their scientific breakthroughs into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patient care. IMM scientists employ genome sequencing, high throughput proteomics, animal models, cell biology, and imaging techniques, making the IMM one of the most comprehensive research institutes in the Texas Medical Center.
The institute also has its own in-house drug development group, the Texas Therapeutics Institute (TTI). Staffed by senior scientists, some recruited from major pharmaceutical companies, the TTI is an exciting place, driving new drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on biologics and designer antibodies.
A school-wide institute, IMM scientists collaborate with McGovern faculty in both basic science and clinical departments, as well as with faculty across the Texas Medical Center from such institutions as St. Luke’s, Texas Heart Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Rice, the University of Houston, and Methodist. By setting an example for research excellence and collaboration locally, nationally, and internationally, the IMM strives to leverage opportunities found within the world’s largest medical center.
High-impact science being done by collaborative teams is the best way to describe the IMM. IMM faculty are organized by thematic centers: Human Genetics, Cardiovascular Genetics, Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases, Molecular Imaging, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Aging Research, Precision Biomedicine, and the Texas Therapeutics Institute.
Each year the IMM produces the IMMpact Report, highlighting each of its faculty member’s research as well as specific research and donors. They also host an IMMpact Symposium, inviting the public to hear more about their research. This year’s symposium is being held 4-6 p.m., May 3 in the Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building, featuring talks on, “Genetics of the Aging Brain” by Dr. Myriam Fornage, “Obeying the Body’s Clock” by Dr. Kristin Mahan, and “Targeting Fat in Age-related Diseases” by Dr. Kai Sun.
I hope this high-level overview will encourage you to take the opportunity to learn more about this outstanding institute and its members.
Warm regards,
Barbara
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