Center Founded for Study of Molecular Medicine

A center has been founded for the study of the genetic basis of disease, the future of modern medicine. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (USA) has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC, USA) Health System to develop this center, called the Molecular Medicine Institute (MMI).

Research within the MMI will involve studying animal models of human disease to reveal obstacles and provide solutions to impediments to gene and protein therapy. The UPMC Health System will provide many of the resources necessary to carry out this complex scientific venture, including vector development, manufacturing capabilities, a vast patient base, funding, and professional support. Programs that will be under the MMI's auspices include gene transfer and gene therapy and peptide mediated protein delivery. The institute will be housed in the Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center. Joseph Glorioso, Ph.D., a professor of biochemistry and chairman of the molecular genetics and biochemistry department at the Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will serve as director of the MMI.

"The MMI is the culmination of many years of research into the development of gene and protein therapeutics at the University of Pittsburgh,” said Dr. Glorioso. "Members of the institute will work closely with other institutes whose missions include diabetes, regenerative medicine, cancer, and transplantation, providing expertise in gene transfer methodologies and purified proteins for manipulation of cells and tissues.”




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University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine