RESEARCH PROGRAM

Ongoing program development at the Sickle Cell Disease Research Center includes:

• Increasing visibility as a resource and referral center for students, faculty, and staff at UTD and in the local, state, and national community
• Continuing collaborative clinical research efforts as part of the Southwest Sickle Cell Program formed in partnership with Dr. George Buchanan at the UTSW Medical Center to improve care for children with sickle cell disease
• Developing a cure for sickle cell disease through the establishment of a translational gene therapy basic research program
• Identifying and securing extramural funding on a local and national level to extend research and training programs
• Establishing international research and training efforts in Africa for a global perspective on improving worldwide treatment strategies

Current research initiatives include:

• Mechanisms for STAT3-Mediated g Gene Silencing,
  National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; R01 HL073447-01 Pace (PI)
  April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2007

• Mechanisms for STAT3-b Mediated Gene Silencing - Student Training Supplement
  National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; RO1 HL69234-02S1 Pace (PI)
  June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2007         

• Minority Recruitment Retention and Opportunity for Research (MIRROR)
  Health and Human Services Education Bill
  July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006

• Sickle Cell Disease Research Center-Summer Institute Program to Increase Diversity
  National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Pace (PI)
  August 1, 2006 to May 30, 2011.