Basic Research

In October 2012, Robert J. Lefkowitz, MD, James B. Duke Professor of Medicine (Cardiology), was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2012 for his research of G-protein-coupled receptors at Duke over 39 years. Read more about Lefkowitz's Nobel year.

Basic research initiatives within the Duke Division of Cardiology include the following:

Cardiovascular Genetic and Genomic Sciences

Investigations of the molecular mechanisms that play a role in heart disease, as well as efforts to develop genomic predictors and to incorporate genomic tools into clinical decision-making

Vascular Biology

Initiatives exploring the basic biological processes that contribute to vascular disease

Cardiac Biochemistry

Studies of the biochemical mechanisms and properties that underlie normal cardiovascular function as well as diseases such as heart failure

Molecular Approaches to Heart Disease

Investigating the molecular and signaling mechanisms behind angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and heart failure

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Clarifying the basic mechanisms that underlie excitation in cardiac muscle in both normal heart function and arrhythmias

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Center

At the Duke Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Center, we are interested in understanding the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and translating that knowledge into more sensitive and specific cardiovascular imaging. Learn more.