A central bioinformatics core supports statewide cardiovascular research

In 2008, the Center for Molecular Proteomics in Cardiovascular Disease and Prevention established a statewide network of five primary care locations linked by a central bioinformatics core to participate in research projects. The core allows patients from across the state who currently suffer from cardiovascular disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease to be screened for heart disease and to share the findings with MUSC researchers. In 2009, 450 patients underwent plasma screenings. Through these screenings, 16 plasma proteins were analyzed and a specific biomarker portfolio was created for the diagnosis and prediction of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic heart failure. The research brings researchers one step closer to being able to predict and prevent heart disease.