The Foundation uses its resources to support a research program including the following projects:

STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF INFLAMMATORY AGENTS ON ARTERIES
We have recently shown the association of infectious agents with atherosclerotic inflammations in a stroke patient (Kozarov et al, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 2005, 25(3):e17-8). Atherosclerotic plaques clog our arteries, eventually leading to acute ischemia. The goal in these investigations is to establish the molecular interactions between bacterial virulence factors and human endothelial tissue from large vessels and to determine the role of these virulence factors in microbe-associated atherosclerotic inflammations, leading to plaque disruption, myocardial infarction and stroke.

BACTERIAL CLONALITY AND RISK FOR LOCAL INFLAMMATIONS WITH A VASCULAR COMPONENT
The goal of this project is using clinical data and samples from diseased and non-diseased patients to investigate whether the severity of infectious disease is linked to the presence of specific tissue invasion-related bacterial virulence factors. Microarray (DNA chips) – based genomic tests and patient specimens will be used in this study.


PATHOGEN FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS RESOURCE CENTER MICROARRAY FACILITY
Oligonucleotide microarrays (DNA chips) are utilized to study genomics of bacterial pathogens in order to develop on-site assays determining the individual patient's risk for developing atherosclerotic lesions. The goal of this project is to develop specific DNA chips applications to studies of local and systemic (atherosclerotic) inflammations.


ARTERIAL INVASION-ASSOCIATED BACTERIAL POLYMORPHISMS
The goal here is to use microarrays (DNA chips) in comparative genomic analyses to identify the subset of genes specifically involved in invasive bacteria - vascular tissue interactions, leading to novel fast diagnostic tools to determine the individual’s risk for developing atherosclerotic inflammations


VASCULAR INVASION AND GENOMICS
Our goal is to use microarrays (DNA chips), functional genomics, classical genetic methods and preclinical models of disease to characterize the factors involved in the initiation of the vascular tissue inflammation. This project will allow for development of unique approaches for control of the early stages of atherosclerosis in the population.

ATTENUATED LIVE VACCINES AGAINST VASCULAR INFLAMMATIONS
Our goal is using recombinant attenuated vaccine strains expressing selected antigens from infectious agent associated with development of atherosclerosis and with atheromatous tissue in stroke patients to induce a protective immune response against the vascular inflammation-associated agent. Development of such a vehicle will consequently allow for control of atherosclerotic inflammation in preclinical models of vascular disease and will be the base for therapeutic and preventive vaccination in patients.

REDUCING PRETERM / LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
There is mounting evidence that the preterm births are associated with similar mechanism as the atherosclerotic inflammations. The goal of this project is to clarify the link between systemic infections and uterine inflammation, leading to preterm delivery and low birth weight and further life-long complications. This exciting project is a branch of our mainstream area of interest, vascular inflammations. Supporting this investigation will contribute toward reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and toward healthier children.

IN VIVO TESTING OF A NOVEL CANCER TREATMENT
While investigating the mechanism of vascular destruction in atherosclerotic inflammations, we invented an entirely novel approach able to control vascular development (neovascularization) in solid tumors. The purpose of the project is to obtain additional data on the efficacy of our agents for their ability to destroy tumors in models of brain, breast and lung cancer using biochemistry, polymer chemistry and MRI. We see this unique approach as a platform technology for application in a range of conditions, most notably for control of the growth of solid tumors. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US.


ASSOCIATION OF INFECTIOUS AGENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLAQUES
We have already shown the association of infectious agents with atherosclerotic inflammations in a stroke patient (Kozarov et al, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 2005, 25(3):e17-8). Here the Lead Investigator's focus is on revealing all of the inflammatory agents associated of atherosclerosis. Specimens from vascular surgery patients will be extensively studied using state-of-the-art technologies such as microarrays (DNA chips), fluorescent microscopy, in vitro cell cultures and bioinformatics.