Microscopic neuron

Transformative Research for Tomorrow's Cures

MMRI is an independent medical research institute performing collaborative research in complex diseases and genetic disorders to enable tomorrow’s cures.

Advancements & Breakthroughs

Portrait of Chase Kessinger

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently awarded a $3.7 million grant to support a project led by Principal Investigator, Chase Kessinger, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical research and translational medicine at Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) to research the third most common cause of cardiovascular death, pulmonary embolism (PE).

Our Core Disease Research Areas

MMRI is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for all humankind through innovation and groundbreaking research. Our core research areas encompass cardiovascular, neurocognitive and autoimmune diseases and disorders, with the goal of creating a better way of life for people worldwide.

heart disease

Heart Disease Research >

Learn more about how MMRI has changed the landscape of cardiovascular disease research.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Since our humble beginnings in 1958, MMRI has been making significant strides in heart disease research with a focus on on the molecular and genetic effects that lead to the onset of congenital heart disease, adult-stage heart failure, diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease, cardiac inflammation, cardiomyopathies, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and arrhythmias.

heart disease

Neurocognitive Disease Research >

Learn more about how MMRI has changed the landscape of neurocognitive disease research.

Our teams are working to identify novel genes and causal factors associated with the development of autism, Alzheimer’s disease , Parkinson’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specific projects also focus on understanding the environmental, genetic and socioeconomic consequences of increased incidence of autism, as well as determining the molecular and genetic links between neurocognitive anomalies and cardiovascular disease.

Chase Kessinger at work in a laboratory

Autoimmune Disease Research >

Learn more about how MMRI has changed the landscape of autoimmune disease research.

Our teams are working to identify novel genes and pathways leading to the development of autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. We are working to understand the molecular targets affected by these genetic changes and are striving to identify better diagnostics and develop novel therapies for treatment, with the goal of finding potential cures for these disorders.

Thank
You

Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D. Headshot

“Your gift has the potential to ignite a breakthrough that changes lives and advances life-saving technologies to treat devastating illnesses. Your donation allows us to focus on propelling medical science, empowering scientists to take risks, sharing ideas and building an inclusive community.”
Maria I. Kontaridis, Ph.D.

YEARS OF INNOVATION

PUBLISHED RESEARCH

PATENTS & DISCLOSURES

Latest News from MMRI

Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D. with Senator Griffo winning the award

Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., awarded New York State Senate Commendation Award

At a special ceremony on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Munson in Utica, New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, presented New York State Senate Commendation Awards to several residents of the 53rd Senate District. Commendations are one of the highest honors that the Senate can use to recognize individuals who have served and made lasting…

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Research Lab Groups

MARIA I. KONTARIDIS, PH.D.
Executive Director
Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine
Director of Research

Dr. Kontaridis and her robust team of scientists are using state-of-the-art equipment to study cardiovascular disease, specifically RASopathy disorders (rare pediatric disease) and cardiac inflammation in adults and children. Her research also spans extensively into autism, systemic lupus erythematosus and gastrointestinal disorders.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KONTARIDIS LAB

CHASE KESSINGER, PH.D.
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine

Dr. Kessinger and his team are interested in understanding translational molecular imaging techniques and novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents to study and treat a myriad of diseases, including venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular disease, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and systemic lupus erythematosus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KESSINGER LAB

ZHIQIANG LIN, PH.D.
Associate Professor
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine

Dr. Lin and his team investigate two major complications associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity: cardiovascular disease and obesity. Dr. Lin is highly regarded for his cutting-edge breakthroughs including being the first to discover COVID’s link to heart damage and his research into how heart and brown adipose tissue grow and react to pathological stress.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIN LAB

JASON MCCARTHY, PH.D.
Scientific Operations Director
Associate Professor
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine

Dr. McCarthy and his team research molecular imaging and targeted drug delivery. With chemistry as the basis of his research, Dr. McCarthy and his team use targeted nano agents that are capable of the delivery of drug entities in a tissue- and cell-specific manner.

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MATT NYSTORIAK, PH.D.
Associate Professor
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine

Dr. Nystoriak and his team are focused on the regulation of myocardial perfusion, examining blood flow through the heart muscle and its pumping efficiency.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NYSTORIAK LAB

TONGBIN WU, PH.D.
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine

Dr. Wu and his team are dedicated to the investigation of cardiovascular disease, specifically left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), which commonly leads to heart arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and left ventricular dysfunction. His goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate transcriptional and post-transcriptional networks to find treatments for LVNC and other heart diseases.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WU LAB