Cardioprotection Research Laboratory

WHERE TO FIND US:

Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory

Moby B Complex

Colorado State University

WHO THINKS SHE IS IN CHARGE:

Karyn L. Hamilton, RD, PhD

Phone: 970-491-3961

Faculty Website

WHO REALLY DOES THE WORK:

Robby Jacobs (Graduate Student, HES)
Elise Donovan (Graduate Student, HES)
Dr. Shadi Khademi (Graduate Student, HES)
Nellie Reuland (Graduate Student, HES)
Tobi Krause (Graduate Student, Cellular and Molecular Biology)
Nichelle Barbari (Hughes Undergraduate Research Scholar)
Fabulous Undergraduate Research Volunteers

WHAT WE DO:

This laboratory has several research focuses, all geared toward identifying mechanisms by which the heart is protected against injury. Some of our current research projects include:

• Identifying the mechanisms by which phytoestrogenic compounds protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-reoxygenation injury.
• Identifying mechanisms by which acute endurance exercise protects against ischemia-reperfusion induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis
• Exploring similarities and differences in protective mechanisms against hypoxic injury and lipotoxicity

HOW WE DO IT:

Our laboratory employs several models to study cardioprotection. In addition to cultured cardiac cell lines, we also use a primary adult cardiac myocyte model as well as an in vivo model of regional myocardial ischemia. Our immediate laboratory facilities enable us to perform in vivo coronary artery ligation, culture myocardial cells, manipulate cells in an hypoxic environment, perform basic biochemistries, histochemistries, and ELISAs, explore gene expression using real time PCR, and identify subcellular adaptations using fluorescence microscopy.

WHO GIVES US MONEY TO DO IT:

2006-2007 “Innovative interventions for rapid high altitude acclimatization” Defense advanced research project agency-Department of Defense, co-P.I.

2006-2011 “Soy derived phytoestrogens and protection of cardiac myocytes” Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station/USDA/CRIS, P.I.

2007 “Proteomic analysis of cardiomyocytes following treatment with soy derived phytoestrogens, primary investigator”. College of Applied Human Sciences, P.I.

2005-2010 “Mechanisms of exercise & estrogen induced cytoprotection“ NIH-National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Hamilton-K02.

2005-2006 “Antioxidants and Cell Signaling During Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion“ Colorado Clinical Nutrition Research Unit/NIH-NIDDK (James O. Hill, P.I.)