Basic and Translational Research
Our faculty are pursuing projects that will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine while training medical students in proper research methodology. In the area of basic and translational research, Central Michigan University constructed a 12,600 square-foot, state-of-the-art research facility for its College of Medicine faculty on its Mount Pleasant campus. The facility opened in June of 2013 and houses eight College of Medicine faculty.
Basic and translational research projects
Often referred to as "bench to bedside" research, translational research focuses on investigating results discovered in a basic science laboratory – in a cell culture or animal mode of disease, for example – to determine how such results might be applied to human treatments.
Neuroscience
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s are diseases of the elderly that are progressive, deadly and difficult to treat. Alzheimer’s disease alone affects 16.1 million Americans, including 180,000 in Michigan. Alzheimer's disease in Michigan has increased to over 103% in the last five years.
College of Medicine researchers are conducting research using stem cells and novel DNA and small molecules delivery systems together with developing state-of-the-art genetically encoded tools using rational protein design, protein evolution, chemogenetic and optogenetics methodological approaches to study brain function in health and disease and to correct the underlying pathologies of various neurodegenerative diseases.
Hochgeschwender research
E. Petersen research
Rossignol research
Infectious disease
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, many infectious diseases are intensifying, and new threats are emerging because of longer summers, milder winters, more extreme weather events, and other environmental changes. CMU College of Medicine researchers use novel and cutting-edge methods and approaches to study the molecular biology, virology, medical entomology, and evolution of viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infectious diseases and exploring novel approaches to their prevention and control.
Conway research
Cancer, genetics and mitochondria
The overall cancer incidence, especially for women and adolescents and young adults has increased during the last decade (CDC). Studying the role and the relationship between genetics, epigenetics and mitochondria in development, etiology, progression and treatment of cancer and numerous congenital disorders is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of their development and progression. CMU College of Medicine researchers are dedicated to deciphering this complex interplay while investigating novel approaches and modalities for early diagnosis and treatment.
Bakke research
Kohtz research
McKee research
Poku research
Rosemary Poku, Ph.D., is studying the effect of PAK and P13K inhibitors in melanoma cell lines expressing mutant RAC-1 proteins at her lab in room 124 of the Research Laboratory building, 2630 Denison Drive, south of the main campus. If you are interested in Poku's lab, contact her at poku1r@cmich.edu or call 989-774-2891.
