Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are blood cancers caused by acquired mutations in cells of the bone marrow that give rise to blood cells (bone marrow progenitors). These mutations also cause excess inflammation in blood vessels and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are a large source of complications and mortality in patients with MDS. Dr. Adrianzen Herrera’s previous work has described that MDS patients have a high risk for CVD and death from CVD. His current project has two goals. First, he will develop and validate a clinical tool to predict risk of CVD in patients with MDS. Second, he will study biomarker changes in the blood in people with MDS. The ultimate goal is to understand why people with MDS develop CVD and how this can be prevented. 

PDF describing image: Role of myelodysplastic syndromes in cardiovascular disease

Senior Mentor
Neil Zakai, MD, MSc

Senior Mentor
Ira Bernstein, MD

Peer Mentor
Nels Olson, PhD

External Mentor
Pamela Lutsey, PhD, MPH

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are debilitating diseases that can lead to memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia. A pathological hallmark of CAA and AD is the formation of plaques composed of amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils in blood vessels and brain.  Structural variants of fibrils, termed polymorphs, have been detected in human tissues and are thought to contribute differently to the pathophysiology of these diseases.  However, the causal relationship between fibril structure and cellular toxicity remains largely unknown. To evaluate this relationship, we will use novel chemical imaging and electrochemical sensing methods to directly monitor the structural dynamics, aberrant interactions, and toxic activities of different Aβ fibril polymorphs in human tissues and animal models of CAA.  Successful completion of this project will ultimately provide information that guides the rational design of drugs to limit the formation and toxic interactions of Aβ fibril polymorphs in people with CAA and AD. 

PDF describing image: Use of Raman spectroscopy to evaluate the structure of amyloid-b polymorphs and their interactions with cell membranes

Senior Mentor
Marilyn Cipolla, PhD

Senior Mentor 
Mark Nelson, PhD

Peer Mentor
Osama Harraz, PhD

External Mentor
Jennifer Lee, PhD