Conrad Jobst Vascular Research Laboratories
By co-locating 6 faculty labs in one central facility, we share expertise and invest in robust resources to pursue high-impact science. The federally funded Jobst Labs occupy 4,900 square feet in the U-M’s North Campus Research Complex, and focus on venous thrombosis, vascular inflammation, thrombus resolution, traumatic injury, nephropathy, abdominal aneurysms, and medical device testing. Current projects range from the investigation of epigenetic mechanisms behind aortic aneurysm to the identification of possible therapeutic targets for deep vein thrombosis — a serious and sometimes overlooked condition that results in more than 300,000 deaths each year.
Programs & Investigators
Computational Vascular Biomechanics Laboratory
Our efforts in vascular biomechanics incorporate the work of a broadly multidisciplinary team, including mechanical, biomedical and aerospace engineers, as well as vascular surgeons. We use powerful computing cores, including U-M’s Flux supercomputing infrastructure, to enable quick and accurate computation of hemodynamics in complex image-based cardiovascular models. This blood-flow modeling opens up possibilities to evaluate the performance of endovascular stent grafts, and to support surgical decision-making before such procedures as TEVAR and EVAR, among other uses.
Programs & Investigators
Other Research Interests
Epigenetic/Immune Cell-based Research in Arterial Disease
We seek to uncover the basic mechanisms responsible for coordinating immune cells in early tissue repair in order to translate this knowledge to better treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes who experience impaired wound healing. Our research focuses on histone methylation changes in bone marrow progenitor cells and the impact, chronic as well as inflammation associated with aneurysms and atherosclerosis/PAD on peripheral macrophage phenotypes relating to wound healing and inflammation.
Programs & Investigators
Quality Improvement
In order to improve outcomes for patients, we study variation in medical endovascular and surgical treatment across the VA healthcare system, investigating the underlying factors for these differences. Partnerships for this effort include the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation and the VA Center for Clinical Management and Research.
Programs & Investigators
Genetics of Vascular Remodeling
The management and pathology of young patients with fibromuscular dysplasia and children with developmental aortic coarctation and renovascular hypertension have fueled ongoing translational research interests. We focus on the genetic basis of pediatric renovascular hypertension resulting from developmental arterial dysplasia. Traditional and cutting-edge genetic methods are used to discover associations. The findings resulting from this research are then carried forward to functional, mechanistic studies using molecular, genetic and vascular biology techniques.
Programs & Investigators
Patient-Centered Decision Analysis
Ensuring that patient voices are heard and that they are a part of the decision making process leads to better outcomes and patient satisfaction. We are exploring how to create individualized patient treatment plans, so that care plans fit each patient’s needs. Currently, we are involved in the Vascular Cures Foundation’s Project Voice, a digital platform designed to customize options for care based upon fitbit and survey data from patients. Using quantifiable objective information, patients provide input on what options are the best fit for them, increasing communication between patients and providers.
