Centers

Allergy and Inflammation

Dr. Henderson is Director of the University of Washington Allergy and Immunology Training Program. Dr. Henderson conducts research on mast cell and eosinophil biology and function and their formation of leukotrienes potent 5-lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism. Current research examines the pathogenesis of asthma. A murine model of asthma in which allergic airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperreactivity develop has been established in Dr. Henderson's laboratory. Specific goals are to define by gene activation key mechanisms (eicosanoids, Th1/Th2 cytokines, adhesion molecules) in the development and maintenance of allergic pulmonary disease. Immunologic, biochemical, and molecular biologic approaches are employed in these studies with a focus on functional genomics and proteomics.

Lung Biology

Our Division’s research activities are diverse and yet we have tremendous depth in a number of important areas. We have established the Lung Biology Center at the University of Washington. The mission of the Lung Biology Center is to provide a nexus for performing, coordinating, enhancing, and stimulating basic research directed toward understanding fundamental mechanisms of lung development, repair, and disease. We have several other prominent research laboratories that also focus on molecular and cell biology. These laboratories concentrate on areas such as acute lung injury and defense mechanisms against pulmonary infections. We also have a long history and tremendous expertise in physiologic research concentrating on pulmonary vasculature and the coordination of ventilation and perfusion in the lung. We have a strong research program performing epidemiology and outcomes research that has focused on Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the past and is expanding into a number of other areas, including outcomes of critical care, end-of-life care, and cost-effectiveness research in both academic and community hospitals.

The University of Washington is one of the most highly funded academic institutions in the country and our Division contributes significantly in this arena. Over the last five years, our faculty has contributed an annual average of 20 book chapters and 90 articles to a wide variety of scientific journals, as well as 50 abstracts each year to national and international scientific meetings. Our faculty also contribute by acting as members of study sections for the National Institutes of Health and other research funding agencies. Finally, our faculty provide national leadership in such organizations as the American Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians.

Cardiovascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Our lab studies the biology of myocardial infarction (heart attacks), and in particular, how the heart heals after infarction. We are interested in discovering the cells and molecules that normally regulate infarct repair and in developing new strategies to prevent the onset of heart failure after infarction. In recent years, we have become particularly interested in harnessing the potential of adult and embryonic stem cells to regenerate cardiac muscle and the coronary circulation.

Translational Medicine in Women's Health

The Center for Translational Medicine in Women’s Health supports the development of a comprehensive research effort to assess the molecular origin of diseases affecting women, with an initial emphasis on cancer. The overall goals of the program are to define the molecular basis and genetic alterations that result in the initiation of disease and to develop diagnostic, preventative, and treatment strategies to combat illnesses that significantly impact women’s health.

Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC)

Under the direction of Dr. Renee LeBoeuf, the Seattle Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) fosters the development and implementation of new technologies for testing mouse models of disease and the expansion of current tests. Investigators can use the information derived from these tests to develop treatments that will prevent or retard the deleterious consequences of diabetes. Comprised of three Cores (Diabetes and Energy Balance, Cardiovascular, and Nephrology, Macrovascular, and Microvascular), the Seattle MMPC also includes Analytical and Metabolic HUBs, as well as a Pilot & Feasibility Program. The Seattle MMPC is one of six National Institutes of Health (NIDDK/NHLBI) sponsored MMPC Centers.