Robert Blanton Jr.

Research/Areas of Interest

The Blanton laboratory aims to discover novel anti-remodeling signaling molecules in the heart which will enable us to design more effective and better-tolerated therapies for heart failure patients.
Specific goals:
1. To identify specific basic signaling mechanisms which oppose cardiac dysfunction in heart failure but do not promote excess vasodilation and
hypotension.
2. To design novel agents to target the above molecular pathways in models of heart failure.
3. To translate these findings into improved care for heart failure patients.

Our research focuses on molecular signaling pathways and pathogenic cardiac remodeling that can lead to heart failure and death. We are particularly interested in the way protein kinase G I. (PKGI.) functions with other molecules in this setting. We are using genetically modified mouse models to probe downstream pathways that are influenced by PKGI. with a long range goal of identifying possible avenues for new therapies to combat heart failure.