Two LSU Health Shreveport Faculty Members Awarded NIH Grants

Shreveport, LA – Prestigious NIH Grants Awarded for Vital Health Research

In a pursuit of scientific excellence and advancements in public health, two esteemed faculty members from LSU Health Shreveport have been honored with substantial grant funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH). Announced on Tuesday, Dr. Ana-Maria Dragoi and Dr. Shenuarin Bhuiyan have been recognized for their groundbreaking research in infectious and cardiovascular diseases, with collective grant funding exceeding $5 million.

Examining the Interaction Between Gonorrhea and the Immune System

Dr. Ana-Maria Dragoi, an assistant professor in Molecular & Cellular Physiology, has been awarded an R01 grant amounting to $1,788,500, to be disbursed over the course of five years. This grant has been awarded by the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Her research project titled, “Mechanism of macrophages colonization in gonorrhea,” aims to elucidate how Neisseria gonorrhoeae – the bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea – interacts with and eludes the body’s immune responses.

This funding facilitates Dr. Dragoi’s quest to comprehend the correlation, which will further aid in unearthing novel strategies to combat and treat gonorrhea. This quest is imperative, given the rising concerns of antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea infections and the need for streamlined treatment methods.

Investigating Protective Mechanisms against Heart Failure

Similarly, Dr. Shenuarin Bhuiyan, an associate professor of Pathology & Translational Pathobiology, has been awarded a sum of $3,301,740, to be disbursed over five years. The grant is provided by the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Bhuiyan’s project, “Novel mitophagy regulatory mechanism in heart failure,” examines the protective role of Sigmar1-mediated activation of essential cellular processes macro-autophagy and mitophagy against heart failure.

Dr. Bhuiyan’s hypothesis underpinning this proposal posits that Sigmar1 is cardioprotective and can prevent heart failure by activating macro-autophagy and mitophagy. This line of research could illuminate innovative preventative methods and treatment approaches for heart failure – a condition that affects millions worldwide.

Recognition Reflects Research Excellence at LSU Health Shreveport

The awarding of these grants to Drs. Dragoi and Bhuiyan marks LSU Health Shreveport as a leading institution for medical research on a national stage. The professors’ grants are two of 31 active R01 grants currently held by researchers at LSU Health Shreveport – a testament to the groundbreaking work being accomplished there.

Acknowledging Efforts for Breakthrough Research

Funding from organizations like NIH not only enables researchers to venture into seeking solutions for health crises, but also endorses the importance and value of their work. Infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases not only claim lives but also impact the quality of life for many. Research initiatives like those undertaken by Drs. Dragoi and Bhuiyan are crucial in combating the global burden of disease, and these generous grants signify the ongoing commitment of the scientific community and funding bodies towards public health advancements.