Biomedical Research Center

Biomedical Research Center

Molecular Medicine Research Core

The Molecular Medicine Research Core (MMRC) will maintain a high level of intra- and inter-institutional collaborations and activities focusing on basic translational research on diseases and disease mechanisms of relevance for reducing health disparities. Consistent with the other cores, the three overarching goals include:

  1. Research - to advance the basic medicine research infrastructure at CDU through supporting the career development and leadership skills of junior translational researchers (T1);

  2. Consultation - to provide consultation and/or collaboration in the context of access to specialized instruments and performance of molecular medicine research using transgenic mice, stem cell and gene transfer technologies, and promotion of these technologies among investigators with Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)-approved projects, and;

  3. Training - to support ongoing training of both MMRC faculty and affiliated investigators with SAC-approved projects.

Specific Aims


To accomplish these goals the core will address the following three specific aims:

Specific Aim 1: To build necessary capacity for MMRC investigators to perform research in, and provide consultation and training in molecular medicine research methods focused on the generation and/or use of transgenic mice for investigators at CDU and affiliated institutions. This aim will be accomplished by the newly organized “Transgenic Mice Research Unit (TMRU)” of the MMRC.

Specific Aim 2: To build necessary capacity for MMRC investigators to perform research in, and provide consultation and training in molecular medicine research methods focused on stem cells and gene transfer approaches for investigators at CDU and affiliated institutions. This aim will be accomplished by the Stem Cells and Gene Transfer Unit (SCGTU) of the MMRC.

Specific Aim 3: To provide mentoring and career guidance for MMRC investigators to develop focused careers and leadership skills in translational research (T1) addressing health disparities, building upon the skills developed in aims 1 and 2. This will be accomplished by providing partial salary support, along with close supervision from two advisory groups and the Research Promotion Program on transgenic mice, stem cells and gene transfer research.

Molecular Medicine Research Core Faculty and Staff

Nestor Gonzalez-Cadavid, Ph.D.
Molecular Medicine Research Core Director, Unit 2 Leader

Artaza, Jorge Nestor, Ph.D.
PI, Pilot Project B1

Monica Ferrini, Ph.D.
Support Scientist

Thomas Magee, Ph.D.
PI, Pilot Project B2

Suzanne Porszasz Reisz, Ph.D.
PI, Pilot Project B3

Tripathi Rajavashisth, Ph.D.
Unit 1 Leader

Rajan Singh, Ph.D.
PI ,Pilot Project B4

James Tsao, Ph.D.
Research Associate Unit 2

Agueda Dolores Vernet, Ph.D.
Support Scientist, Unit 2

Core Functions and Resources

  • Consultation and training in molecular medicine research methods (generation and/or use of transgenic mice)
  • Consultation and training in stem cells and gene transfer techniques
  • Mentoring and career guidance for core investigators to develop independent research careers