NIH Post-doctoral Training Grant in Vascular Biology

This NIH-funded training program provides laboratory research training for postdoctoral physicians (M.D.s and M.D./Ph.D.s) in vascular biology, in preparation for careers as independent investigators in blood vessel biology-related disciplines. This is a unique opportunity for aspiring physician-scientists applying to cardiology fellowship programs. Selection of trainees is based on a demonstrated commitment to vascular biology and strong prior research experience or potential. Future physician-scientists are major targets for this training program. Three years of support, per trainee, are available. The Cardiovascular Medicine Division of Internal Medicine and the Molecular Cardiobiology Unit at Yale School of Medicine's Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine are the central foundations for the Program. However, because vascular biology pervades wide areas of clinical medicine and basic biologic research, the program interacts with multiple clinical and basic science departments, these include departmental affiliations of the primary participating faculty (e.g.: Internal Medicine (Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Medicine), Pathology, Genetics, Immunobiology, Physiology and Biology). The interdepartmental vascular research community at Yale provides research opportunities in:

• molecular determinants and consequences of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions
• regulation of vascular apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals
• effects of coagulation proteins on vascular cell activation and injury
• the role of cytokines and membrane receptors in anti-endothelial alloresponses
• in vivo vascular gene delivery in allo- and xenograft models
• regulation of cytoprotective genes in vascular cells in response to hypoxia
• use of genetic methods to evaluate G protein-mediated signal transduction in eukaryotes
• vascular cell integrin biology, both control of adhesion and molecular consequences of engagement
• use of chemical genetic approaches to study anti-angiogenic compounds
• identification and mapping of genes that contribute to the development of vascular disease in humans, through molecular genetic techniques
• microcirculatory analysis of neurohumoral and cell coupling mechanisms which control vasomotion
• regulation of endothelial nitric oxide release in normal physiology and disease

This broad base of vascular research underscores the strength and breadth of vascular biology at the Yale School of Medicine, and highlights the numerous research opportunities for fellows. A strong educational curriculum is provided, including didactic courses specifically for trainees, courses within the graduate school, as well as both program-based and multidepartmental research seminars and journal clubs. For questions about this NIH Training Grant Program, contact Dr. Jeffrey R. Bender, Training Grant Director.

Related Links:

• Yale-New Haven Hospital
• West Haven VA Hospital