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Brent  A.  French
Degree(s): Ph.D.
Graduate School: Louisiana State University
Primary Appointment: Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
Novel Therapies for Treating and Preventing Ischemic Heart Disease

Email Address: bf4g@virginia.edu
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program(s)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Molecular Medicine
    • Research Description

    Our interests focus on developing gene therapy for treating and preventing cardio-vascular disease. An interdisciplinary approach is used to integrate recent technical advances with gene therapy research. In particular, cutting-edge imaging techniques such as MRI are used to expedite research by providing an accurate measure of gene therapy’s efficacy against cardiovascular disease. Current research projects in our lab focus on using gene therapy against myocardial infarction and heart failure. Recent work shows that the biological messenger nitric oxide plays a multifunctional role in protecting the heart against ischemic damage. Thus one project seeks to determine whether gene therapy with nitric oxide synthase can protect the heart against myocardial infarction. One of the most damaging properties of superoxide is its ability to react with (and thereby inactivate) nitric oxide. Not only does this reaction deplete endogenous levels of nitric oxide, but it also yields a reaction product (peroxynitrite) that is severely damaging to biomolecules. We recently developed an antioxidant gene therapy, based on superoxide dismutase, which confers cardioprotection against myocardial infarction and has the potential to protect high-risk patients against the ravages of heart attack.

    Selected Publications
  • Li Y, Garson CD, Xu Y, Beyers RJ, Epstein FH, French BA, Hossack JA. Quantification and MRI validation of regional contractile dysfunction in mice post myocardial infarction using high resolution ultrasound. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2007 Jun;33(6):894-904.
  • Berr SS, Xu Y, Roy RJ, Kundu B, Williams MB, French BA. Serial multimodality assessment of myocardial infarction in mice using magnetic resonance imaging and micro-positron emission tomography provides complementary information on the progression of scar formation. Circulation. 2007 May 1;115(17):e428-9.
  • Prasad KM, Xu Y, Yang Z, Toufektsian MC, Berr SS, French BA. Topoisomerase inhibition accelerates gene expression after adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer to the mammalian heart. Mol Ther. 2007 Apr;15(4):764-71.
  • French BA, Li Y, Klibanov AL, Yang Z, Hossack JA. 3D perfusion mapping in post-infarct mice using myocardial contrast echocardiography. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2006 Jun;32(6):805-15.
  • PubMed Listings for this Faculty Member
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    Contact Information
      Office Address: PO Box 800759, 415 Lane Road, MR-5, 1219, 
      Office Phone: +1 434-924-5728, +1 434-924-5784
      Fax Phone: +1 434-924-5923
      Web Site: http://http:/

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