New research grant “A Novel Small Molecule Therapy for Late-Stage Atherosclerosis”

Dr. Joshua Hutcheson, directs the Cardiovascular Matrix Remodeling Laboratory. Dr. Hutcheson is also an active member of the Biomolecular Sciences Institute at FIU. Research in Dr. Hutcheson’s lab includes the discovery of cellular and molecular mechanisms of aortic valve disease and atherosclerosis and novel methods to detect these diseases in asymptomatic patients. Dr. Hutcheson was recognized in 2018 as the “Stop Heart Disease Researcher of the Year” by the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and the Florida Heart Research Foundation. Dr. Hutcheson has been awarded a new research grant “A Novel Small Molecule Therapy for Late-Stage Atherosclerosis” from the Florida Heart Research Foundation.

Bone-like calcific mineral formation in the arterial wall disrupts normal vascular function, and is especially prevalent in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification is the best predictor of future cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, and Dr. Hutcheson’s lab seeks to understand the mechanisms associated with mineral formation and how to prevent or treat it. This award will fund a collaborative effort between his lab and Dr. Agoulnik’s lab in the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine to explore the therapeutic potential of a new small molecule treatment for vascular calcification.