Joseph M. Miano, Ph.D.

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Research in the Miano Lab is focused on the expression regulation and biology of several genes cloned from vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). The genes include serum response factor (SRF) and its coactivator, myocardin (MYOCD), which together represent a powerful transcriptional master-switch for the SMC contractile phenotype; a direct target of this transcriptional switch called SMC calponin (CNN1); a tumor suppressor gene, AKAP12, comprising three independent transcription units including one, AKAP12(alpha), that is a direct target of SRF and another, AKAP12(beta), that is massively induced by anti-cancer drugs called retinoids; and, finally, a novel orphan vascular serine carboxypeptidase we call SCPEP1. Our ideas and efforts span the spectrum from computer to DNA to cells to whole animals. We intend to elucidate the regulation of these genes and/or their functions during normal or pathological processes involving, but not limited to, the cardiovascular system. For example, the transcriptional program of SMC differentiation is under study to gain insight into basic processes underlying vascular development as well as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular occlusive disease. Tools in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology are utilized to characterize regulatory elements called CArG boxes that bind the SRF-Myocardin master switch. Recent efforts are underway to define functionally important variants (SNPs) in and around CArG boxes that may alter programs of gene expression associated with disease.

Current Appointments

• Associate Professor - Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute (SMD)
• Associate Professor - Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (SMD)

Lab Description

Transcriptional regulation of gene expression; pathobiology of SRF and myocardin; genome mining.

Lab Website

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cvri/research/miano-lab.cfm