Scientific programs within the Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center are broadly focused on the pathophysiology and treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. A principal goal of the center is to facilitate multidisciplinary research by enhancing interactions between scientists in different disciplines and by encouraging communication between basic, clinical, and translational scientists.

The center is composed of scientists from a dozen basic science and clinical departments. Many of the center members are physically located within the center proper, which is currently located in the Medical Biomolecular Research Bldg, and others are housed in their home departments but interact with center components on a regular basis.

Interactions between center scientists are facilitated by a seminar series featuring internationally recognized scientists (contact Rob Lineberger for information), a joint laboratory meeting in cardiovascular development and angiogenesis (supervised by Vicki Bautch), and a training program in Integrative Vascular Biology.

Scientists in the center take advantage of the intellectual resources of UNC and surrounding areas, and have access to all core facilities on the UNC campus for assistance with proteomics, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, transgenic technologies, etc. Members of the center are available to provide interested investigators with assistance in vascular cell and platelet function, developmental analyses, redox measurements, cardiac function, vascular lesion formation in vivo, and other analyses. In addition, the center has purchased a VisualSonics Ultrasound Biomicroscopy machine, which allows high-resolution in vivo analyses of cardiovascular function, and has other applications in development, neurosciences, tumor biology, and other areas. Investigators interested in applications of this technology should contact Cam Patterson

The center has also received a $1.8 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to support the establishment of the Carolina Cardiovascular Gene Expression Services, which will provide funds and support for the study design, implementation, and analysis of microarray experiments addressing problems related to cardiovascular biology. These services represent an expansion of the existing UNC Genomics and Microarray Core Facility directed by Dr. Chuck Perou that specifically supports NHLBI-funded investigators. The service package supported by this grant was developed during the first part of year 2003, after which investigators have submitted proposals for studies to be supported by this mechanism. Participation in the monthly Microarray Support Group is encouraged for investigators interested in receiving assistance through this program. Contacts should be made to the P.I., Cam Patterson.

We strongly encourage inquiries from scientists interested in participating in center activities. We have several ongoing recruitments for M.D. and Ph.D. level faculty positions, and we are always open to inquiries. Many of the laboratories within the center also have positions open for graduate and post-doctoral trainees. Find out more about these opportunities.