Professor, Associate Dean of College of Health Sciences
University of Rhode IslandChronic Diseases, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Sports Medicine
Deborah Riebe, Ph.D., obtained her B.S. degree from Springfield College in Physical Education, her M.S. degree from the University of Rhode Island in Exercise Science and her Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in Exercise Physiology. She is currently Professor and Associate Dean of College of Health Sciences at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Riebe is a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine and served as President of the New England Chapter of American College of Sports Medicine. She is currently the Chair of ACSM’s Committee for Certification and Registry Boards and was recently elected to the Board of Trustees representing education and allied health. Dr. Riebe was recently appointed Senior Editor of the tenth edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. She has received research funding in the areas of weight management and physical activity promotion from the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health, and the Champlin Foundations. Dr. Riebe has authored over 50 articles in refereed journals and book chapters. Dr. Riebe’s research centers around physical activity interventions for a variety of populations including apparently healthy adults and those with common chronic diseases, older adults, and individuals who are overweight or obese.
Dean, UTHealth School of Public Health M. David Low Chair in Public Health Kozmetsky Family Chair in Human Genetics Professor, Center for Human Genetics and Dept. of Epidemiology Associate Director, Human Genome Sequencing Center at BCM
University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonArtery Disease, Chronic Diseases, Diabetes, Hypertension
The research interests of Dr. Boerwinkle encompass the genetic analysis of the common chronic diseases in humans, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes. Dr. Boerwinkle received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Cincinnati in 1980, an M.A. in Statistics (1984), and M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Genetics (1985) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he served as Senior Research Associate in the Department of Human Genetics from 1985-1986. He joined the University of Texas-Houston Center for Demographic/ Population Genetics in 1986 as a Research Assistant and became Assistant Professor in the same year. In 1991 he joined the Department of Human Genetics at the School of Public Health, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center as Associate Professor, in 1996 was promoted to Professor, and in 1997, Director of the Human Genetics Center. He became a faculty member of the Institute of Molecular Medicine in 1996 and became Professor and Director of the Research Center for Human Genetics. Dr. Boerwinkle is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the American Society of Human Genetics. The research interests of Dr. Boerwinkle encompass the genetic analysis of common chronic diseases in humans, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes. This work includes localizing genes which contribute to disease risk, identification of potentially functional mutations within these genes, testing these candidate functional mutations in experimental systems, defining the impact of gene variation on the epidemiology of the disease, and determining the extent to which these genes interact with environmental factors to contribute to disease risk. Activities include both statistical analysis and laboratory work. A large part of Dr. Boerwinkle's current research effort consists of localizing genes contributing to disease risk using modern genome-wide mapping methods. Success depends on keeping up with the latest genomic technical advances. The laboratory is set-up and operating as a high throughput sequencing and genotyping facility in which speed, accuracy and efficiency are monitored continuously. However, we are constantly seeking out more efficient methods to collect and manage genetic information. Dr. Boerwinkle and colleagues have completed the world's first genome-wide analyses for a variety of CAD risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension. These investigations have to lead to the identification of novel susceptibility genes in both cases. Dr. Boerwinkle is particularly interested in methods for identifying potentially functional mutations within a gene region. This seemingly simple objective is made difficult because the functional mutations are expected to have small effects and are embedded in a sea of silent genetic variation. Once nearly all of the variation is cataloged directly by DNA sequencing, individuals are genotyped for each variable site. Both novel and traditional statistical methods are applied to relate the array of genetic information to a wealth of phenotypic data. This algorithm generates "candidate functional mutations" that are then tested in an in vitro or mouse model system. Once a functional mutation has been identified, Dr. Boerwinkle's group evaluates the ability of the variable site to predict the onset of disease (e.g. myocardial infarction or stroke) above and beyond traditional risk factors. This work is carried out as part of multiple prospective studies of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in tens of thousands of individuals representing the major American ethnic groups. Finally, he is working on experimental designs for studying genotype by environment interaction in humans. In particular, we are working on the extent to which inter-individual variation in lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medications are influenced by genetic factors. The practical objective of the research is to use genetic information to identify individuals at increase risk of disease and to design more efficacious interventions. Genetic studies are defining, at the molecular level, novel mechanisms of disease risk, onset and progression. Dr. Boerwinkle and collaborators address the localization of genes which contribute to disease risk in cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes. The methodology used involves screening of families having the disease and linking the presence of disease with known markers of the human genome. In this manner, the genomic region in which relevant mutations are located can be mapped and the relevant DNA sequenced. By assessing the structural change the mutation may have caused in the gene product (protein), it is possible to infer how it may affect biological function. In order to determine experimentally whether a mutation is functional, it is necessary to introduce the mutated gene into an animal, usually a mouse, and assess its biological effects on the animal's phenotype. Dr. Boerwinkle has participated in multiple notable discoveries since joining the Institute. Only two will be highlighted here. First, Dr. Boerwinkle's group has completed the first-ever genome-wide search for genes contributing to inter-individual blood pressure levels. This initial effort has lead to the identification of an important gene (an adrenergic receptor) that influences blood pressure levels and the risk of hypertension. This is the first time that such a genome-wide approach has led to the identification of a susceptibility gene to a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. Second, Dr. Boerwinkle has participated in similar efforts to identify genes contributing to the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes. In this case, however, there were no genes in the region that were suspects for the disease. A team of collaborating investigators has painstakingly characterized the genetic region and identified the mutated gene (in this case a protease). This is the first time that anyone has ever positionally cloned a gene contributing to any common chronic disease. This work is of obvious potential clinical importance. It may lead to improved prediction of those at increased risk of disease and the design of more efficacious intervention strategies. The technologies and information from the human genome project provide new tools for lessening the burden of ill-health. Dr. Boerwinkle's accomplishments in developing an internationally recognized team of investigators targeting the genetics of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors ensure a productive future and further discoveries.
Professor of Medicine (General Medicine) and of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Founder and Director, Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale School of Medicine
Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer HospitalChronic Diseases, Epidemiology
Dr. Cary Gross is a Professor of Medicine and Public Health, and Director of the National Clinician Scholars Program at Yale. Dr. Gross completed his residency in Internal Medicine at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and served as chief medical resident at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center the following year. His research addresses comparative effectiveness, quality, and health equity, with a focus on cancer prevention and treatment. He aims to use real-world research to generate knowledge that will inform change in clinical care and health policy. He is a founding Director of Yale鈥檚 Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center (COPPER). His research has been supported by the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, among others. As a former Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar, Dr. Gross has advanced training in biostatistics, epidemiology, research ethics, and outcomes research. Follow him on twitter: @cpgYale
Cardiovascular Medicine, Chronic Diseases, Diabetes, Physician, Vascular Biology
Director, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine Research Interests Dr. Rajagopalan completed clinical and research fellowships in cardiovascular medicine and vascular biology at the Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Rajagopalan is among an elite group of physician investigators whose work has help transform perceptions and facilitate understanding of the global impact of chronic diseases including diabetes. He has additionally made seminal contributions towards the development of next generation therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and is a leading authority in advancing newer and innovative non-invasive approaches for the diagnosis of complex cardiovascular disorders. Dr. Rajagopalan鈥檚 laboratory has been continually funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Rajagopalan is an elected member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI), the Association of University Cardiologists (AUC) and the Association of Professors of Cardiology (APC). Additional honors include the William Keating Award from the American College of Cardiology, the Charles Dana Award and being voted amongst the Best Doctors in America. Dr. Rajagopalan has published over than 250 original peer reviewed research publications in journals such as JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, Circulation, Journal of Clinical Investigation and Circulation Research, in addition to more than 300 reviews, book chapters and abstracts. He has served as an editor for at least two textbooks and several monographs on vascular disease and atherosclerosis. External Appointments Division Chief, Cardiovascular Medicine University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Publications The NIEHS TaRGET II Consortium and environmental epigenomics. Wang T, Pehrsson EC, Purushotham D, Li D, Zhuo X, Zhang B, Lawson HA, Province MA, Krapp C, Lan Y, Coarfa C, Katz TA, Tang WY, Wang Z, Biswal S, Rajagopalan S, Colacino JA, Tsai ZT, Sartor MA, Neier K, Dolinoy DC, Pinto J, Hamanaka RB, Mutlu GM, Patisaul HB, Aylor DL, Crawford GE, Wiltshire T, Chadwick LH, Duncan CG, Garton AE, McAllister KA; TaRGET II Consortium, Bartolomei MS, Walker CL, Tyson FL. Nat Biotechnol. 2018 Mar 6;36(3):225-227. doi: 10.1038/nbt.4099. Short-Term Blood Pressure Responses to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Exposures at the Extremes of Global Air Pollution Concentrations. Huang W, Wang L, Li J, Liu M, Xu H, Liu S, Chen J, Zhang Y, Morishita M, Bard RL, Harkema JR, Rajagopalan S, Brook RD. Am J Hypertens. 2018 Feb 2. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpx216. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 29409056 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Brook RD, Rajagopalan S.J Am Soc Hypertens. 2018 Mar;12(3) PMID: 29396104 Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension: Translating Pathophysiological Concepts Into Clinical Practice. Naeije R, Saggar R, Badesch D, Rajagopalan S, Gargani L, Rischard F, Ferrara F, Marra AM, D' Alto M, Bull TM, Saggar R, Gr眉nig E, Bossone E.Chest. 2018 Jan 31. pii: S0012-3692(18)30161-2. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.01.022. PMID: 29382472 CITED2 restrains pro-inflammatory macrophage activation and response. Kim GD, Das R, Rao X, Zhong J, Deiuliis JA, Ramirez-Bergeron DL, Rajagopalan S, Mahabeleshwar GH. Mol Cell Biol. 2017 Dec 4. pii: MCB.00452-17. doi: 10.1128/MCB.00452-17. PMID: 29203644 Noncoding RNAs in Cardiovascular Disease: Pathological Relevance and Emerging Role as Biomarkers and Therapeutics. Gangwar RS, Rajagopalan S, Natarajan R, Deiuliis JA. Am J Hypertens. 2018 Jan 12;31 PMID: 29186297 Canagliflozin and Cardiovascular and Renal Events in Type 2 Diabetes. Rajagopalan S, Brook R. N Engl J Med. 2017 Nov 23;377(21):2098-9.No abstract available. PMID: 29182250 Inhalation Exposure to PM2.5 Counteracts Hepatic Steatosis in Mice Fed High-fat Diet by Stimulating Hepatic Autophagy. Qiu Y, Zheng Z, Kim H, Yang Z, Zhang G, Shi X, Sun F, Peng C, Ding Y, Wang A, Chen LC, Rajagopalan S, Sun Q, Zhang K. Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 24;7(1):16286. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-16490-3. PMID: 29176715 Free PMC Article Monocyte DPP4 Expression in Human Atherosclerosis Is Associated With Obesity and Dyslipidemia. Rao X, Deiuliis JA, Mihai G, Varghese J, Xia C, Frieman MB, Sztalryd C, Sun XJ, Quon MJ, Taylor SI, Rajagopalan S, Zhong J.Diabetes Care. 2018 Jan;41(1)Epub 2017 Nov 10. PMID: 29127241 Effect of Particulate Matter Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Oxidative Stress Pathways. Rao X, Zhong J, Brook RD, Rajagopalan S. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2018 Mar 20;28(9):797-818. Epub 2017 Dec 12. PMID: 29084451 Extreme levels of ambient air pollution adversely impact cardiac and central aortic hemodynamics: the AIRCMD-China study. Liu S, Brook RD, Huang W, Fan Z, Xu H, Wu R, Sun Z, Zhao X, Ruan Y, Yan J, Sun L, Liang R, Lian H, Gu D, Rajagopalan S. J Am Soc Hypertens. 2017 Nov;11(11):754-761.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jash.2017.09.009. Epub 2017 Sep 28. PMID: 29031802 The Role of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Inflammation: Focus on Kidney and Vasculature. Belden Z, Deiuliis JA, Dobre M, Rajagopalan S. Am J Nephrol. 2017;46(4):298-314. Epub 2017 Oct 10. PMID: 29017166 Personal-level exposure to environmental temperature is a superior predictor of endothelial-dependent vasodilatation than outdoor-ambient level. Ejike C, Wang L, Liu M, Wang W, Morishita M, Bard RL, Huang W, Harkema J, Rajagopalan S, Brook RD. J Am Soc Hypertens. 2017 Nov;11(11):746-753.e1. Epub 2017 Sep 28. PMID: 28989070 Cardiovascular evaluation and management of iron overload cardiomyopathy in sickle cell disease. Ginwalla M, AlMasoud A, Tofovic D, Alin T, Al-Kindi S, Oliveira G, Rajagopalan S, Schilz R, Little J. Am J Hematol. 2018 Jan;93(1)Epub 2017 Oct 23. PMID: 28971490 Design of the exercise MRI evaluation of HIV-pulmonary arterial hypertension longitudinal determinants (EXALTED) trial. Alaiti MA, Goud A, Ramani G, Bagchi S, Al-Kindi S, Sawicki S, Longenecker C, Jenkins T, Pauza D, Park M, McComsey G, Simonetti O, Hoit B, Rajagopalan S. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2017 Nov;18(11):888-896. PMID: 28937582 Stressed About Air Pollution: Time for Personal Action. Brook RD, Rajagopalan S. Circulation. 2017 Aug 15;136(7):628-631. PMID: 28808145 Cancer risks of anti-hyperglycemic drugs for type 2 diabetes treatment - a clinical appraisal. Vora J, Ray K, Kosiborod M, Poulter NR, Rajagopalan S, Leiter LA. J Diabetes Complications. 2017 Sep;31(9):1451-1457. Epub 2017 Jun 15. Review. PMID: 28655490 Air Pollution and Cardiometabolic Disease: An Update and Call for Clinical Trials. Brook RD, Newby DE, Rajagopalan S. Am J Hypertens. 2017 Dec 8;31(1):1-10. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpx109. PMID: 28655143 The regulatory role of DPP4 in atherosclerotic disease. Duan L, Rao X, Xia C, Rajagopalan S, Zhong J. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2017 Jun 15;16(1):76. Review. PMID: 28619058 Free PMC Article Design of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Diabetic Atherosclerosis (MAGMA) Trial. Rajagopalan S, Alaiti MA, Broadwater K, Goud A, Gaztanaga J, Connelly K, Fares A, Shirazian S, Kreatsoulas C, Farkouh M, Dobre M, Fink JC, Weir MR. Clin Cardiol. 2017 Sep;40(9) Epub 2017 May 26. Education Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) University of Madras, India 1988 Residencies, Internships and Fellowships Residency in Internal Medicine Erie County Medical Center 1994 Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease Emory University Hospital 1998 Research Fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine Cornell University 2002 Fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine Duke University Medical Center 2004 Additional Information 1990-1994: Assistant Instructor, Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY at Buffalo 1994: Chief Medical Resident, VA Medical Center, SUNY at Buffalo. 1994-1998: Instructor, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine 1998-2003: Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 2001-2003: Co-Director, Vascular Medicine Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 2003-2006: Director Cardiovascular MR and CT Imaging, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York 2006-2013:Professor of Medicine (With Tenure), the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 2006-2013: Director of Vascular Medicine, Co-Director CT and MR Imaging Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 2006-2013: Associate Director, Davis Heart Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH 2013-2015:Head, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 2013-2016: Melvin Sharoky Endowed Professorship, University of Maryland School of Medicine 2016: Asst. Chair, Translational Research, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine