Our research team of physician-scientists encompasses several laboratories focused on basic and translational scientific discoveries related to neonatal pulmonary and cardiac disorders, including chronic lung disease of prematurity, also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), pulmonary hypertension, heart failure as well as systemic disorders such as sepsis and multi-organ failure. Our team is driven by the pursuit of groundbreaking diagnostics and therapeutics that can be transitioned from the bench to bedside applications. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life for both preterm and full-term infants, ensuring that every baby can achieve their full developmental potential.
The following laboratories comprise the Neonatal Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Integrated Biology research program:
Since 2006, the Çataltepe Laboratory at BWH has spearheaded investigations into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. The research leverages insights gained from normal lung development to pinpoint factors contributing to abnormal alveolar and vascular development that occurs in BPD with the ultimate goal of finding potential therapeutic targets for this condition. This investigation involves the utilization of cell culture, preclinical animal models, and cutting-edge multiomics approaches. The Çataltepe Laboratory has successfully secured funding from prestigious sources, including the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other organizations, such as the American Heart Association, bolstering their efforts advancing critical research in the field of neonatal lung diseases.
Learn more about Sule Cataltepe, MD.
The Christou and Spyropoulos Laboratory investigates mechanisms contributing to long-term cardiopulmonary morbidities in surviving preterm infants and developing interventions to ameliorate them. Dr. Christou’s research is focused on mechanisms regulating pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Learn more about Helen Christou, MD and Foti Spyropoulos, MD.
The Ghanta Laboratory studies the properties of mesenchymal stem cells and their potential for treating disorders in newborns.
Learn more about Sailaja Ghanta, MD.
The Perrella and Liu Laboratory investigates the regulation and biology of genes important for the modulation of inflammation and response to oxidative stress in systemic disease processes such as sepsis, and the regulation and biology of genes selectively expressed in striated muscle cells of the heart. These studies include preclinical models of neonatal heart failure and its pathobiology. To complement their work further, with a focus on therapy, they are actively exploring the use of stem and progenitor cells in critical illnesses. Moreover, Dr. Liu has identified a retinal progenitor cells from the eyes of neonatal and adult mice.
Learn more about Mark Perrella, MD and Xiaoli Lu, MD, PhD.
