Research Programs

Our major research interests are to understand the etiology of cardiometabolic diseases using integrative approaches with human populations and model organisms. 

At the Program Project Grant at Atherosclerosis Research Unit, the focus is on the artery wall metabolism as it relates to inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.

Focused on defining the structure-function relationships of GPIHBP1 and LPL. GPIHBP1.

We broadly investigate mechanisms of cardiac repair and regeneration and in particular study the interface of scar forming cells and cardiac progenitors in regulating a cardiac injury response.

Our goal is to understand the role of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and their inhibitors in cardiovascular development and disease, and the various mechanisms by which they exert their effects.

Studying causes of calcific disease and mineralization disorders in vasculature.

Our group have developed the first quantitative micro-technological approach to measure in real-time changes in intravascular shear stress in the New Zealand White rabbits and swine models.

The UCLA Cardiovascular Imaging Research Laboratory (CVIRL) brings together physicians and scientists with expertise in cardiovascular disease, imaging science, engineering, physics, and bioinformatics

Investigates molecular mechanisms driving tissue repair and regeneration especially in the heart.

Conducting advanced heart failure research for a more personalized approach to medicine.

My lab is focused on understanding how infection contribute to cardiovascular disease in humans using observational studies and mechanism-oriented clinical trials.

The Environmental Cardiology and Vascular Biology (ECVB) Laboratory focuses on studying genetic and environmental factors influential in the development of vascular inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis

Focuses on two topics: the molecular physiology of the nuclear lamina and mechanisms of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism.

CHAMP was designed to reduce the deadly risks and consequences of heart disease by improved use of secondary prevention treatments.

Our mission is to train the next generation of engineers, scientists and clinicians to interface quantitative sciences with biomedical and clinical research to improve human health.

Focused on common, complex forms of cardiovascular/metabolic disorders, including atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease and, more recently, heart failure.

Studying the peripheral neural circuits controlling cardiac function.

The Sallam Laboratory at UCLA investigates gene-phenotype relationships underlying lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, with a focus on regulatory RNAs and the transcriptional circuits that control cardiometabolic disease. The goal is to translate these mechanisms into new therapeutic targets and improved cardiovascular risk prediction.

Dr. Shivkumar’s interest relates to fundamental mechanisms of cardiac impulse propagation and arrhythmias in humans and the role of the nervous system in control of the heart.

Dr. Ashley Stein-Merlob is a UCLA cardio-oncologist who uses computational and mathematical modeling to study TTR (transthyretin) amyloidosis, focusing on mechanisms of disease onset and in silico platforms to evaluate treatment efficacy. She also leads a clinical research program investigating the cardiovascular complications of novel cancer therapies, particularly immunotherapy.

Studying cellular and tissue adaptation to lipid changes in health and disease.

Investigate the mechanisms by which the fatty acid products of TRL processing move across capillary endothelial cells and into vital tissues (e.g., heart, adipose tissue).