Tales of Healing the Heart

Cardiovascular Researcher Mark Sussman Gives Albert W. Johnson Lecture March 19

Contact:
Lorena Nava Ruggero
Media Relations Specialist
San Diego State University
lnava@mail.sdsu.edu

Mark Sussman (Photo by Tom Farrington.)

SAN DIEGO (Monday, March 17, 2008) — While broken bones eventually heal and wounds mend themselves, it was thought that the heart, once broken by heart attack or other trauma, didn’t. That is, until Mark Sussman, San Diego State University biology professor, and other researchers discovered otherwise.

On Wednesday, March 19, Sussman will present the annual Albert W. Johnson lecture at 3 p.m. at Smith Recital Hall. The lecture, titled "Healing Broken Hearts: The Promise, Pitfalls and Potential of Stem Cells," will explore his research in cardiovascular stem cells in repairing the heart after trauma, like that experienced after a heart attack.

Combining the power of molecular biology with the regenerative capacity of stem cells, Sussman has discovered ways to promote survival and long-term retention of stem cells in the heart. His research has contributed to a fundamental shift in understanding the biology of the heart, stem cells and the creation of new heart muscle. During his lecture, Sussman will also discuss application of his research to clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

The Albert W. Johnson lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit this page for more information.

Sussman recently received a prestigious Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award from the National Institutes of Health for his work in cardiovascular research. Sussman is one of three faculty members at SDSU to have received the award, which has become a symbol of scientific achievement in the research community. The award is made to researchers who have shown “superior competence and outstanding productivity” and provides research funding for five years with possible renewal for an additional five years.

Sussman is also lead investigator on a five-year multi-million dollar NIH program project grant which supports the interrelated work of Sussman and other cardiovascular researchers at SDSU and University of California San Diego in their efforts to identify novel approaches in the treatment of heart failure.

In 1984, San Diego State University established a lecture series to recognize its faculty members for outstanding achievement in research and scholarship and to foster continuation of such accomplishments. This lecture series was named the Albert W. Johnson University Research Lecture in 1991 to recognize the contributions of Johnson, a long-time faculty member, dean and provost at SDSU. Johnson’s leadership was instrumental in transforming SDSU into an institution that celebrates scholarly accomplishment as an essential ingredient of faculty excellence. Recipients of this award are designated as distinguished professors in their disciplines to commemorate their extraordinary research endeavors and contributions.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s approximately 36,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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