Research Expertise

Genomics

Cutting-edge technology in the areas of gene expression, flow cytometry and genotyping provides support for Wright State faculty engaged in basic and clinical research. The technology, based in the Center for Genomics Research, is studying the cellular regulators of the p53 tumor suppressor protein and glioblastomas prior to irradiation. Collaborations in toxicogenomics, schizophrenic patient genotyping, and lung cancer gene expression profiling are ongoing.

Human Growth

The Fels Longitudinal Study (PDF), established in 1929, is the nation's largest and longest running study in the area of human growth. Its data are reflected in the growth charts used by pediatricians and in the charts on the elderly used by the World Health Organization. The study has also produced breakthroughs in the treatment of heart disease by identifying cardiovascular risk factors. Current research focuses on how body composition, particularly the amount and distribution of body fat, changes during childhood and adulthood in relation to heart disease risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. The National Institutes of Health has called the study a "national treasure." Also see: Lifespan Health Research Center (LHRC).

Geriatrics

Through a collaborative partnership with Premier Health Partners and the Dayton VA Medical Center, the Boonshoft School of Medicine has established a Department of Geriatrics to enhance geriatrics education for the next generation of physicians and expand geriatric research. Researchers are studying macular degeneration, a form of age-related vision loss that most often strikes individuals over 65. Other elder issues — such as sleep disorders, Alzheimer's, and bone thinning — are also under study.

Metabolomics

Several Wright State projects use NMR spectroscopy for tissue metabolism, including NMR-based metabolomics techniques in support of predictive toxicology and as a means to monitor metabolic changes in response to various stimuli.

Neuroscience

In 2007, the Boonshoft School of Medicine established a Comprehensive Neuroscience Center (CNC) to collaboratively address fundamental issues in both basic science and clinical neuroscience research through integrating teams of scientists and clinicians across numerous disciplines. The CNC incorporates and supersedes the Center for Brain Research, which was started in 2000 with a generous gift from The Kettering Fund. Campus-wide in scope, the new CNC integrates the tools of post-genome research — genomics, proteomics, informatics, and imaging — making them available to a wider range of basic and clinical neuroscientists. In fall 2007, five researchers associated with the CNC won a prestigious Program Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The $4.8 million grant is the first Program Project Grant Wright State University has received. The scientists will use the grant to further their research into why full recovery is not always achieved after damaged nerves have regenerated. More.

Proteome Analysis

Proteomics is the study of the intricate structure and function of thousands of proteins in cells and tissues. Diseases result when proteins, which are encoded by our genes, are defective or malfunctioning. Like the study of genetic defects, the in-depth study of proteins will produce medical advances. In the Proteome Analysis Laboratory, current investigations involve the proteome and genome of the hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal, pancreatic-axis (HPAP-Axis) under normal, disease or chemically challenged conditions.

Substance Abuse and Treatment

Major research and community service programs are found in the Center for Interventions, Treatment and Addictions Research, established in 1976. One of its undertakings, replicated throughout North America, provides a three-day residential education program for drivers convicted of DUI called the Weekend Intervention Program. The program, attended by more than 50,000 locally, has proven to be more successful than the traditional methods used to keep drunk drivers off the road. Other areas focus on AIDS prevention, particularly for injection drug users, and substance abuse of disabled individuals. In these areas, research with and within the community has enabled the development of more effective interventions to chronic social problems.

Toxicology

Wright State researchers have investigated how stressful conditions combined with low-level chemical exposure, including chemical warfare agents, may damage the body's systems in subtle ways that have eluded diagnosis. Researchers work in a chemical surety laboratory that meets DOD safety and security requirements. Chemicals being tested act on chemical transmitter systems in the body to inhibit breathing, muscle contractions and heart rate.