Research

Division faculty members continue to make important research contributions. Last year 12 peer reviewed papers and many additional abstracts, reviews and book chapters authored by Division faculty members were published.

Two faculty members were principal investigators for NIH grants: Drs. Thomas, and Hassett and there were numerous additional awards from other sources. Total Division research grant awards for the current year are in excess of $1.6 million.

The major goal of the research in Dr. Thomas's laboratory is to develop gene-targeted therapeutics, using antisense and triplex forming oligonucleotides. In order to understand the mechanism of oligonucleotide transport through the cell membrane, his group prepares DNA nanoparticles and conducts studies using laser light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Gene regulation is studied using microarray analysis and proteomics to understand the mechanism of small molecule/oligonucleotide-mediated cell growth inhibition and apoptosis.

Dr. Hassett continues her studies on fibromyalgia and medical unexplained symptoms.

Dr. Hsu has been involved in clinical trials of innovative therapies for scleroderma and its vascular complications.

Dr. Schlesinger is involved in the development of guidelines for treatment of gout and clinical trials in gout and fibromyalgia. She has also been studying the seasonal variations in rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Tiku continues to investigate the pathogenic role of oxidative damage in osteoarthritis, and is participating in multicenter clinical trials of new therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.