M. Ian Phillips, Ph.D., D.Sc. (Chair from 1980 to 2002) Phone: (909) 607-7487 E-mail: Ian_Phillips@kgi.edu Publications: Search PubMed

We study Angiotensin in stroke, hypertension and fluid metabolism. We use a variety of techniques from cDNA probes, antisense to mRNA, and receptor autoradiography to physiological techniques.

We also study hypertension. We are developing gene therapy for hypertension based on inhibition of angiotensin and other target mRNAs. We developed antisense oligonucleotides targeted to mRNA to specifically inhibit the synthesis of angiotensin and angiotensin receptors. Prolonged reduction in blood pressure (weeks/months) of hypertensive rats has been demonstrated in our lab with these oligos. We produce even longer-lasting effects (months) when the antisense DNA to AT-1-R receptor is transduced in an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV). We also target Beta-1 adrenoceptors. Current work in the lab is on AAV as a safe, effective vector for gene therapy. We have developed a new concept of "Vigilant Vectors" which are engineered vectors designed to switch on and off to signals such as hypoxia in the heart (or glucose in diabetes) and provide a burst of genes for protection of tissues.

Many postdoctoral fellows and graduate students have been trained in the lab, which is supported by grants from NIH and the American Heart Association.

Featured References:

• Phillips MI. Antisense Inhibition and Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Delivery for Reducing Hypertension. Hypertension 1997, 29[part 2]:177-187. Abstract (Pubmed)

• Phillips MI, Tang Y, Schmidt-Ott K, Qian K and Kagiyama S. Vigilant Vector: Heart-Specific Promoter in an Adeno-Associated Virus Vector for Cardioprotection. Hypertension 2002, 39[part 2]:651-655. Abstract (Pubmed)

• Zhang YC, Bui JD, Shen L and Phillips MI. Antisense Inhibition of Beta(1)-Adrenergic Receptor mRNA in a Single Dose Produces a Profound and Prolonged Reduction in High Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Circulation 2001, 101:682-688. Abstract (Pubmed)

• Tang Y, Jackson M, Qian K and Phillips MI. Hypoxia Inducible Double Plasmid System for Myocardial Ischemia Gene Therapy. Hypertension 2002, 39[part 2]:695-698. Abstract (Pubmed)

Honors and Awards:

1975	NIH Career Development Award
1979	Teacher of the Year
1979	Humboldt Scholar, University of Heidelberg
1988	President, American Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology
1989	Lucian Award for Research in Circulatory Disease, McGill University
1989	Chairman, Gordon Conference on Angiotensin
1992	Chairman, NIH Experimental Cardiovascular Study Section
1995	Basic Science Research Prize, College of Medicine
1995	MERIT Award, NIH Blood and Lung Institute (10 years' funding)
1997	Professorial Excellence Award, University of Florida
2002	Frank Annunzio Award for Innovative Science