How Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Is Tackling Global Health Threats
In the heart of Newark, a hub of scientific innovation is quietly developing the medical breakthroughs that will define our future.
Imagine a single research center that developed global testing for a pandemic, defends against bioterrorism, and pioneers new treatments for the world's most persistent diseases. This isn't a fictional plot; it's the everyday reality at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). Through a powerful combination of groundbreaking discovery and hands-on clinical application, this institution has positioned itself at the forefront of the fight against everything from infectious diseases to chronic illness, demonstrating how a local medical school can produce a global impact.
The Department of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School serves as a principal partner of Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences (RBHS), an umbrella organization that brings together eight schools and multiple research centers 1 . This collaborative structure fosters an environment where innovation thrives.
The department alone has consistently received over $20 million in annual research funding since 2013, supporting work that spans from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside 1 .
Beyond these clinical focuses, NJMS researchers are also deeply engaged in addressing health disparities and population health, ensuring their work benefits diverse communities both locally and globally 1 .
The institution's research footprint extends across six state-of-the-art facilities on the RBHS campus in Newark, including the New Jersey Cancer Center, the International Center for Public Health, and a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory 1 . This infrastructure supports groundbreaking work through several specialized centers:
A prolific hub for developing new antibiotic therapies, biomarkers, and diagnostic methods for diseases like tuberculosis and nosocomial infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers here developed platforms for rapid PCR testing that were adopted around the world 1 .
A key player in international TB control, managing initiatives like Project Hope in Central Asia and strengthening TB care in Ukraine 1 .
Directs numerous clinical trials focusing on hepatocellular carcinoma, novel antiviral treatments, and bioartificial liver (ELAD) trials 1 .
Conducts innovative studies on cardiovascular outcomes in HIV and end-stage liver disease patients, and investigates genomic factors in treatment response 1 .
To understand how NJMS research translates into potential new therapies, we can examine a pivotal study on asthma medications conducted by NJMS researchers. Asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide, and while glucocorticoids (a class of anti-inflammatory drugs) are a mainstay treatment, how they precisely work in airway tissues has remained poorly understood 7 .
Researchers designed an elegant experiment to uncover the mechanism behind these drugs' anti-inflammatory effects in airway smooth muscle (ASM) – a key tissue involved in asthma symptoms 7 .
Four primary human ASM cell lines were cultured under controlled laboratory conditions.
The cells were treated with dexamethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid (1 µM for 18 hours).
The researchers used RNA-Seq, a high-throughput sequencing method, to characterize transcriptomic changes—essentially creating a comprehensive map of which genes were turned on or off in response to the drug.
Advanced statistical methods identified differentially expressed genes with a Benjamini-Hochberg corrected p-value <0.05, a rigorous standard for significance in genomic studies.
Findings were confirmed through additional quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting experiments to measure changes in both RNA and protein levels.
Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) techniques, researchers knocked down candidate genes to observe the effects on inflammation markers.
The RNA-Seq analysis identified 316 differentially expressed genes in response to dexamethasone 7 . Among these was a less-investigated gene called CRISPLD2. Follow-up experiments revealed crucial findings:
This suggests that CRISPLD2 acts as a brake on inflammation, and that glucocorticoids may work in part by activating this natural braking system. The study identified CRISPLD2 as a promising candidate for future asthma pharmacogenetics research, potentially paving the way for more targeted and effective therapies 7 .
| Gene Name | Function | Response to Dexamethasone |
|---|---|---|
| CRISPLD2 | Encodes a secreted protein | Significantly increased |
| DUSP1 | Regulates cellular processes | Increased |
| TSC22D3 | Modulates gene expression | Increased |
| KLF15 | Involved in tissue remodeling | Increased |
| Technique | Application in This Study |
|---|---|
| RNA Sequencing | Comprehensive profiling of gene expression changes |
| Quantitative RT-PCR | Validated RNA-Seq findings for specific genes |
| Western Blotting | Measured changes in protein levels |
| siRNA Knockdown | Determined gene function by reducing its expression |
To conduct cutting-edge experiments like the asthma study, NJMS researchers rely on a sophisticated arsenal of laboratory tools and reagents. The institution maintains contracts with over 57 approved vendors for biomedical and scientific research equipment, reagents, and supplies to ensure scientists have access to the highest quality materials 3 .
| Reagent/Supply Category | Common Vendors | Primary Function in Research |
|---|---|---|
| Gene Expression Analysis | Applied Biosystems, ThermoFisher, Invitrogen | RNA extraction, sequencing, and quantification for studies like the asthma project |
| Cell Culture Supplies | Sigma-Aldrich, VWR, Fisher Scientific | Growing and maintaining human cell lines for experimental testing |
| Protein Analysis | Bio-Rad, R&D Systems | Measuring protein levels and interactions through Western blotting and ELISA |
| Specialized Antibodies | Millipore, Abcam, Cell Signaling | Detecting specific proteins to understand their presence and function |
| Laboratory Equipment | Beckman Coulter, ThermoFisher, Eppendorf | High-speed centrifuges, PCR machines, and other essential instrumentation |
The research mission at NJMS extends beyond the laboratory to education, with specialized programs designed to cultivate the next generation of physician-scientists.
An NIH-funded initiative that provides health professional trainees with opportunities to participate in research related to cardiology, pulmonology, or hematology 2 .
Offers medical students the chance to conduct an additional year of original research, fostering skills in scientific thinking and communication for those planning careers in academic medicine 6 .
The impact of NJMS research extends far beyond scientific publications. The institution supports over 450 clinical trials at any given time, translating laboratory discoveries into potential new treatments for patients 8 .
Showing promise in trauma care, with better infection resistance than synthetic grafts 4 .
Identifying new triggers that accelerate antibiotic resistance, offering new avenues to combat this global threat 4 .
Pioneering robotic-assisted surgeries for procedures ranging from breast reconstruction to complex urological repairs 4 .
These advancements demonstrate the institution's commitment to turning scientific discovery into tangible improvements in human health.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School stands as a testament to the power of focused scientific inquiry coupled with a commitment to public health. From its state-of-the-art facilities in Newark to its collaborations around the globe, NJMS represents a research ecosystem where curiosity-driven science and practical application converge. As these laboratories continue to unravel the mechanisms of disease and develop innovative solutions, they not only advance medical knowledge but also deliver on the promise of longer, healthier lives for communities in New Jersey and worldwide.
For further reading on specific research programs or to learn about participation opportunities, visit the Rutgers Health Research & Innovation website.