E. Douglas Lewandowski

Research Description:

Our research program focuses on the genomic, transcriptional, and proteomic regulation of metabolic flux, with an emphasis on the dysregulated and adverse metabolic remodeling of the heart due to pathological and metabolic stress in the development of heart failure (HF). HF is the only form of cardiovascular disease that is increasing with half a million new diagnoses every three years. We have elucidated numerous adaptive and maladaptive metabolic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of HF in animal models and human patients, leading to our development of novel pharmacological and cardiac-specific gene therapies. Dr. Lewandowski has pioneered quantifying metabolic flux, enzyme activity, and metabolite transport within cardiomyocytes of beating hearts with novel methodologies for dynamic-mode 13C NMR spectroscopy detection of stable isotope kinetics in beating hearts combined with quantitative mass spectrometry of targeted lipidomics. Collaborating with numerous investigators both at OSU, nationally, and internationally the research program explores the metabolic basis of normal and impaired of contractile function in the heart.