Development of a Redox Biology Program

Create a redox biology program to enhance the ability of researchers to translate basic research discoveries into clinical treatments

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Full Project Name:Development of a Redox Biology ProgramPrincipal Investigator:Neil Hogg, PhD, BiophysicsAward Amount:$1,600,000

Award Date

November2011

Project Duration:96 months

Project Description Narrative:

Humans obtain energy from food through "oxidation," which is the transfer of an electron from a molecule to oxygen. The reverse process of gaining an electron is "reduction," and the study of electron transfer is called "redox" biology. Some redox processes generate free radicals that can damage tissues, including the heart, which leads to heart disease. Free radicals also play an important role in the development of cancer and its spread. Because of the wide role played by free radicals in human disease, redox biology researchers are poised to design therapies that can impact Wisconsin residents suffering from diabetes, cancer and heart disease as well as other diseases in which free radicals participate.

This funding aims to support the creation of a premier program in redox biology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to foster the sharing of ideas and enhance the ability of researchers to translate basic research discoveries into clinical treatments.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Expanded expertise and capacity in promising areas of basic science and clinically relevant research through the successful recruitment of investigators
Established and supported researchers in developing partnerships with MCW's Neuroscience Center, Cancer Center and Cardiovascular Center
Created a collaborative and fertile environment for the exchange of ideas and experimental data through a seminar series, symposiums and the continuation of the Redox Journal Club and Work-in-Progress program to bring together like-minded faculty
Provided training opportunities to graduate, post-doctoral and summer students
Garnered more than $2 million in extramural funding and published more than 55 scholarly works contributing to knowledge in the field