Cardiovascular Diseases
Neurocognitive Diseases
Autoimmune DiseasesCardiovascular Diseases
Heart Disease Research >
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Since our humble beginnings in 1958, MMRI has been making significant strides in heart disease research with a focus on on the molecular and genetic effects that lead to the onset of congenital heart disease, adult-stage heart failure, diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease, cardiac inflammation, cardiomyopathies, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and arrhythmias.
Neurocognitive Diseases
Neurocognitive Disease Research >
Our teams are working to identify novel genes and causal factors associated with the development of autism, Alzheimer’s disease , Parkinson’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specific projects also focus on understanding the environmental, genetic and socioeconomic consequences of increased incidence of autism, as well as determining the molecular and genetic links between neurocognitive anomalies and cardiovascular disease.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Disease Research >
Our teams are working to identify novel genes and pathways leading to the development of autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. We are working to understand the molecular targets affected by these genetic changes and are striving to identify better diagnostics and develop novel therapies for treatment, with the goal of finding potential cures for these disorders.
YEARS OF INNOVATION
PUBLISHED RESEARCH
PATENTS & DISCLOSURES
MMRI and LADA Hold Walk to Support Lupus Research in Honor of Lupus Awareness Month
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) hosted more than 250 people at the Masonic Care Community Campus, located at 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York, to walk in support of its lupus research. Food trucks and a “fun zone” for kids with face painting, crafts and yard games were available…
Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Director of Research
Dr. Kontaridis and her robust team of scientists are using state-of-the-art equipment to study cardiovascular disease, specifically RASopathy disorders (rare pediatric disease) and cardiac inflammation in adults and children. Her research also spans extensively into autism, systemic lupus erythematosus and gastrointestinal disorders.
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Dr. Kessinger and his team are interested in understanding translational molecular imaging techniques and novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents to study and treat a myriad of diseases, including venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular disease, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Dr. Lin and his team investigate two major complications associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity: cardiovascular disease and obesity. Dr. Lin is highly regarded for his cutting-edge breakthroughs including being the first to discover COVID’s link to heart damage and his research into how heart and brown adipose tissue grow and react to pathological stress.
Associate Professor
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Dr. McCarthy and his team research molecular imaging and targeted drug delivery. With chemistry as the basis of his research, Dr. McCarthy and his team use targeted nano agents that are capable of the delivery of drug entities in a tissue- and cell-specific manner.
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Dr. Nystoriak and his team are focused on the regulation of myocardial perfusion, examining blood flow through the heart muscle and its pumping efficiency.
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Dr. Wu and his team are dedicated to the investigation of cardiovascular disease, specifically left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), which commonly leads to heart arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and left ventricular dysfunction. His goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate transcriptional and post-transcriptional networks to find treatments for LVNC and other heart diseases.