Research

Basic Research

Major leaps in pediatric healthcare begin with small steps in the laboratory, and often these occur on the microscopic level. The focal point for pediatric basic laboratory research at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, where nearly 390 active protocols are being pursued by more than 125 principal investigators in 63 separate laboratories. Significant current programs include:

Stem cell biology/regenerative medicine
Developmental biology
Gene and cellular therapy
Infection and immunity research
Inflammatory diseases
Novel strategies for treating pediatric cancer
Inherited metabolic disorders

Today, Children’s exceptional team of dedicated researchers use Core Facilities that are equipped with the most advanced tools, allowing them to conduct basic research and investigate the origins of disease down to the molecular level.

And while hundreds of individuals at Children’s are engaged in basic research programs, in some cases our studies include multidisciplinary teams that extend beyond the walls of our facility for example to the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and local biotechnology start-ups.

Although laboratory research has been fundamental to Children’s for decades, in many ways we see ourselves in the early stages of our mission, thanks to new technologies and tools, a growing knowledge base and a cadre of experts who are building a foundation for the breakthroughs still to come.

Last Update
January 9, 2011

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