Decoding Microbiome-Host Biology of Hypertension
Our vision is to redefine the biological foundations of hypertension by uncovering how host–microbiome interactions and epigenetic mechanisms shape cardiovascular physiology.
Founded in 2012 as a University Research Council-approved Center and directed by the Distinguished University Professor, Dr. Bina Joe, recipient of the American Heart Association Excellence Award in Hypertension Research, the center is internationally recognized for pioneering discoveries linking the microbiome to blood pressure regulation.
The Center for Hypertension and Precision Medicine leads discovery of microbiome and epigenetic mechanisms to transform hypertension prevention and treatment.
Center Impact
- International and National leadership in microbiome-driven hypertension research
- Multidisciplinary NIH- and foundation-funded programs
- Global collaborations in cardiovascular science
Training the next generation of scientists and physician–scientists
Research Pillars
Microbiome
Microbiome–Host Interactions
Investigating how gut microbial communities and their metabolites influence blood
pressure, vascular biology, and cardiometabolic health.
Epigenetics
Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiovascular Physiology
Defining how epigenetic programs integrate genetic, microbial, and environmental signals
to regulate vascular, cardiac, and renal function.
Precision Medicine
Translational Physiology and Precision Medicine
Integrating experimental models, human studies, and systems biology to develop personalized
strategies for preventing and treating hypertension.
A Leader in the Northwest Ohio Region of USA
The University of Toledo is a regional leader in academic and clinical medicine and offers a uniquely collaborative environment where scientists and clinicians work across disciplines to address complex cardiovascular diseases. The center builds on institutional strengths in over six decades of research contributions to cardiovascular physiology while advancing emerging fields such as microbiome science and epigenetics.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research infrastructure, the center serves as a hub for discovery that bridges microbiome biology, epigenetic regulation, and cardiovascular disease.
Training the Next Generation
Education and mentorship are central to the center’s mission. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinician-scientists train in a collaborative research environment that integrates microbiome science, epigenetics, systems biology, and translational cardiovascular research.
Transforming Hypertension Research
Discoveries from the center have advanced concepts linking the gut microbiome, epigenetic regulation, and cardiovascular disease. By integrating fundamental discovery with translational science, and extending collaborations across the globe, the center is positioned to lead the next generation of breakthroughs in hypertension prevention and treatment.
Learn more about us
Our scientists
Scientists affiliated to CHPM conform a multidisciplinary team of basic and clinical investigators with expertise in genomics, vascular, cardiac and renal physiology, metabolism and neurosciences.
Research programs
Research at CHPM is driven by a multidisciplinary approach that integrates efforts and skills from scientists of various disciplines to fight hypertension and related vascular and metabolic diseases.
Service Cores
CHPM affiliated scientists and trainees, have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technologies that are available at CHPM laboratories and the University of Toledo.
Education
At CHPM a number of programs are in place to promote interaction and continuing education of scientists and trainees.
News
The community is an integral component of our mission. Through several activities CHPM promotes public awareness in the fight against hypertension and associated diseases.