The MMRI has a diverse research portfolio covering multiple diseases and disorders. You decide what your donation supports.
Unrestricted:
The MMRI is a non-profit that relies on the generosity of its circle of donors to support the Institute. Unrestricted funds are designated for our most relevant needs and can be used to support both our research growth and our capital construction expansions.
Heart Disease:
The MMRI has, for over 60 years, been a leading research center in cardiovascular health. Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in America, and MMRI scientists are dedicated to understanding the various complications associated with its cause. MMRI research is focused specifically on understanding and resolving:
- Pediatric heart disease, which is caused by genetic abnormalities that lead to structural abnormalities of the heart.
- Cardiac arrhythmias, the abnormal beating of the heart that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
- Cardiac inflammation, abnormal infiltration of inflammatory cells to the heart, usually due to viral or bacterial infections, that can lead to myocarditis.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
- Cardiac fibrosis, the abnormal scarring of the heart usually caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, or myocardial infarct (heart attack).
- Epigenetic causes of heart disease, which include non-genetic based consequences of heart disease, such as stress, UV exposure, viral infections, etc.
- Cardiomyopathies, an unusual thickening of the heart sometimes caused by genetic mutations or from environmental stressors that can, over time, lead to heart failure.
Neurocognitive Disorders:
Neurological disorders affect the brain and result in abnormalities with a wide range of symptoms. MMRI currently focuses its research efforts in this area on Autism Spectrum Disorders, which alter brain function to evoke communication and behavioral complications. We hope to expand this research to include Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases as well.
Autoimmune Diseases:
Autoimmune diseases results when your immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. The cause and consequence of many autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus) and Rheumatoid Arthritis, remain largely unclear. MMRI is currently working to resolve the causal mechanisms and pathogenicity associated with lupus. We hope to expand our work to also include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type I Diabetes, and Psoriasis in the near future.
Metabolic Diseases:
When the body’s metabolism processes become overly stressed, they fail, resulting in the development of metabolic diseases such as Type II Diabetes, a condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. Unfortunately, in many cases, this can also lead to the development of heart disease. Therefore, MMRI is investigating ways to combat the development of diabetes and prevent obesity, an excessive amount of body fat that increases an individual’s chances of developing heart and health complications.
Pulmonary Diseases:
Pulmonary diseases impact the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. Among the numerous diseases and disorders relating to the lungs, MMRI focuses on what causes pulmonary embolisms, how they lead to tissue scarring, and finding novel ways to treat these disorders.