UC, Cincinnati Children's Researcher Receives Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Designation
CINCINNATIJeffery Molkentin, PhD, a scientist and professor at the UC College of Medicine and Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, has been named one of 56 new Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigators.
This will place Molkentin among an elite group of the nations most promising scientists who are challenged to extend the boundaries of science by pursuing bold and creative research. A researcher in the division of molecular cardiovascular biology at Cincinnati Childrens and the department of pediatrics at UC, Molkentin was among 1,070 scientists who applied for the appointment. In making its selections, HHMI sought outstanding scientists studying biomedical problems in a variety of disciplines.
We look for scientists who have demonstrated originality and productivity in biomedical research and show exceptional potential for future contributions, says Jack Dixon, PhD, vice president and chief scientific officer at HHMI. This infusion of fresh scientific talent allows us to refresh our commitment to original and creative biomedical research.
Molkentins research has advanced the understanding of molecular events behind heart disease and muscular dystrophy. His team studies the signaling mechanisms that control cell growth, differentiation and death.
One study from Molkentins laboratory, published this spring in the science journal Nature Medicine, identified a possible a new treatment for muscular dystrophy. The research showed an investigational antiviral drug undergoing human trials in Europe for hepatitis C infections may also have potential in reducing muscle cell damage in muscular dystrophy patients.
Molkentin says the HHMI award will allow him to expand his research in a more exploratory way.
HHMI encourages innovative research, he says. This award is typically given to individuals from institutions that have strong and pioneering programs. This shows the success of both UC and Cincinnati Childrens. It is an example of how the tie between these two institutions can strengthen the impact of our research on a local and national scale.
The HHMI provides long-term, flexible funding to about 300 Hughes scientists across the nation, allowing researchers to pursue their scientific interests no matter where they lead.
Molkentin is the fourth HHMI investigator ever appointed in Ohio, the third at UC and first to be named while at Cincinnati Childrens.
The non-profit medical research organizationfounded in 1953 by aviator-industrialist Howard Hugheshas invested more than $8.3 billion in the last 20 years to support, train and educate the nations most creative and promising scientists. The institute is based in Chevy Chase, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.
Once selected, investigators continue to be based at their host institutions but become HHMI employees and derive their salaries and benefits from the institute. The collaboration agreement also provides for payment to the host institution for a researcher's laboratory space. Investigators retain their faculty positions and continue to participate in teaching and other professional activities at their university or research institute.
Molkentin joined UC and Cincinnati Childrens in September 1997, after completion of his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern. He received his bachelors degree at Marquette University and his doctoral degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin, both in Milwaukee. He currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Physiological Reviews and the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Related Stories
Can new rules in Ohio address a pharmacy staffing shortage and...
May 17, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Michael Hegener joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss recent rules released by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy designed to address pharmacy staffing.
Is ketamine the answer to treatment-resistant depression?
May 16, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Stephen Rush joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss the use of ketamine and esketamine to treat treatment-resistant depression.
UC study: Severe ischemic strokes rare in total patient...
May 15, 2024
The University of Cincinnati’s Yasmin Aziz will present research at the European Stroke Organisation Conference that found severe ischemic strokes with the most severe damage are rare in the total stroke patient population.