The McKellar lab is actively studying the mechanisms associated with right ventricular failure and recovery. As our understanding of and treatment for left ventricular failure has progressed, the right ventricle has been largely ignored. Right heart failure is a lethal problem that affects patients with congenital heart disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies and there are no good treatments.
Dr. McKellar's basic and translational science laboratory is housed in the University's Molecular Medicine Program. They are currently studying the role of fuel (glucose, fatty acid) and calcium metabolism in the failing right ventricle in preclinical and human studies.
