MHI SEMINAR SERIES: Jonathan Brown, M.D., Associate Professor, Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine at Vanderbilt University

Jonathan Brown, MD, is a cardiologist and basic scientist studying transcriptional mechanisms relevant to the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. A central premise of his research involves a deeper understanding of the gene regulatory networks controlling disease pathogenesis to identify novel therapeutic targets to treat these prevalent and often fatal conditions.

More specifically, Dr. Brown aims to study how chromatin regulators—as determinants of enhancer function and transcription—are involved in driving pathologic gene expression programs that alter vascular cell and adipose tissue function and result in cardiovascular disease and metabolic dysfunction. Because of his interest in the interplay among inflammation, metabolic disease, and atherogenesis, he is pursuing overlapping areas of investigation examining: how proinflammatory activation of vascular endothelium and macrophages drives enhancer remodeling and gene activation through the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain proteins (BRD2, BRD3 and BRD4); and how BET proteins control adipocyte plasticity and differentiation relevant for obesity and systemic metabolic diseases.

Dr. Brown’s areas of expertise are general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and management of hyperlipidemia.