Vascular Biology Center

Researching Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Stroke, Hypertension, Diabetes...

With the increasing frequency of obesity and diabetes, especially in Georgia, cardiovascular disease is reaching epidemic proportions.

The Vascular Biology Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University knows the demand is high for new and better treatments.

Our internationally recognized team of research experts have one goal - to make breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of disease so that we all may live longer, healthier lives.

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Discover your passion for vascular research at MCG - Augusta University, where cutting-edge science meets a collaborative and supportive community.

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   Health Sciences Campus (Sanders Building, CB 3940)
1460 Laney Walker Blvd.
   706-721-9800
   706-721-9799
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VBC Facts & Figures

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20
Core Faculty

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5
Physician Scientists

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5
Faculty with
Endowed Chair honors

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45
Research Faculty &
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A Look Inside

Vascular Biology Center celebrates 25 years

Augusta University’s Vascular Biology Center (VBC) continues to make big strides in its mission to combat the nation’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease.

Researchers at Vascular Biology Center encourage more women to explore science careers

More and more women are starting to pursue careers in science and its evident at Vascular Biology Center.

Internal Medicine/ Research Clinician Pathway

Dr. Samah Ahmahdieh talks about our Internal Medicine/Research Clinician Pathway here at AU/MCG Internal Medicine.

Education & Training

Inside the Labs

VBC in the news - Drs. Barman, Fulton and Bordan

VBC News

VBC Community News

VBC News

Knights Templar Eye Foundation awards $90,000 grant to Augusta University researcher

Jul 14, 2025FOX 54 News

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) – The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. presented a $90,000 research grant to Dr. Yusra Zaidi of Augusta University’s Vascular Biology Center during a ceremony held Wednesday morning. The presentation took place at 11 a.m. near the university’s research facilities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat childhood vision loss and support groundbreaking science in Georgia. The grant supports Dr. Zaidi’s proposal titled “Exogenous Apolipoprotein A1 Mitigates Inflammation and Pathological Neovascularization in the Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity,” which focuses on preventing infant blindness through innovative molecular approaches. Coronary artery disease- the most common type of heart disease- occurs when cholesterol and fat block the passage of blood flow to your heart. Scientists at MCG have found that the smooth muscle cells that give those blood vessels strength respond by getting bigger and multiplying. Unfortunately, this further contributes to the disease.

Dr. Coffin tells us about salt sensitive blood pressure

March 15, 2023WRDW News 12

Dr. Belin de Chantemele, Drs. Janis Coffin and Candee Burris discuss how salt sensitivity can affect blood pressure in a video interview.

MCG scientists find new target in fight against heart disease

Dec 30, 2022WJBF.com | News Channel 6

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States…and in the CSRA. Scientists at MCG have discovered a new target in the treatment of the incurable disease. And regulating that target could save hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Coronary artery disease- the most common type of heart disease- occurs when cholesterol and fat block the passage of blood flow to your heart. Scientists at MCG have found that the smooth muscle cells that give those blood vessels strength respond by getting bigger and multiplying. Unfortunately, this further contributes to the disease.

An 'ah-ha' moment links rare lung disease with cancer and a rogue gene

December 8, 2021The Augusta Chronicle

Cancer researcher Caryn Bird, 29, was walking down the hall at Augusta University with her boss when she found she didn't have the breath to carry on a conversation. She stopped, but it didn't get better, even after reaching his office. Her shortness of breath was getting worse and wasn't responding to asthma treatments.

Promising research for genetic disorders by using gene editing

July 26, 2021The MEANS Report with Brad Means

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Exciting research is underway at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, especially when it comes to genetics. Promising results have already been discovered that could correct genetic problems and create disease models. It all starts with gene editing, in particular – prime editing. So what is prime editing? We take a closer look at the exciting research this week with Dr. Joseph Miano – a vascular biologist – and Dr. Lin Gan – a geneticist – both at MCG.

MCG receives $2.84 million to study cancer and heart disease

July 20, 2021WRDW/WAGT

Chances are you or someone you know has cancer or heart disease. Those two kill more people every year in the U.S. than anything else. And they disproportionally impact people of color. Now the Medical College of Georgia is one of four institutions in the country selected to help study the correlation between cancer and heart disease. The American Heart Association gave $11 million to four different institutions, and MCG got $2.84 million of it. They showed us how they’re enlisting students in their fight.

CLICK THE ARTICLES ABOVE TO VIEW THE VIDEOS.

A group of five researchers stand smiling while holding their awards

Fostering innovation and discovery: MCG researchers honored at APS summit

A professionally dressed man and woman sit behind a desk with computer monitors. The man points to a monitor that shows a retina on it.

MCG researchers awarded $275K grant to study HIV and retinopathy correlation

A scientist in a lab coat stands in front of a table in a research lab and smiles at the camera.

MCG researchers publish first explanation of HIV, hypertension correlation

MORE VBC NEWS

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