Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Founded in 1946 by prominent Oklahoma City civic leader Mark R. Everett, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human disease. Located adjacent to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, it fosters a collaborative environment for scientific discovery. Its work spans fundamental biological research to translational studies, with a focus on autoimmune disease, cardiovascular biology, and genetics.

History

The foundation was established in the post-World War II era, a period of significant growth for American biomedical science, with initial support from the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and community leaders. Its first laboratories were housed in the former Bone and Joint Hospital building. A pivotal early relationship was formed with the University of Oklahoma, leading to the 1960 relocation to its current campus near the OU Health Sciences Center. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it expanded its research scope under leaders like Dr. William G. Thurman and established enduring programs in immunology and molecular biology. Major growth continued in the 21st century with the addition of new research towers, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the Oklahoma Health Center research park.

Research programs

Core research is organized into multidisciplinary programs focusing on specific disease mechanisms. The Autoimmune Disease program investigates conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome, exploring immune system dysregulation. The Cardiovascular Biology program studies atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction, with expertise in platelet biology. The Genes and Human Disease program utilizes genetic and genomic approaches to study cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and rare genetic disorders. Additional strengths include programs in Aging and Metabolism, examining the biology of aging, and Molecular and Cell Biology, which provides foundational insights into cellular processes. These programs frequently collaborate with clinical partners at the OU Health system and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Scientific achievements

Researchers have made landmark contributions across several fields. Foundation scientists were among the first to describe the role of specific autoantibodies in lupus nephritis and helped define the genetic underpinnings of familial Alzheimer's disease. Pioneering work in platelet biology led to the discovery of novel signaling pathways critical in heart attack and stroke. The institution has been instrumental in developing diagnostic tests for autoimmune conditions and contributed to the foundational understanding of complement system in disease. Its scientists have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Lasker Award, and have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. The foundation also holds numerous patents for therapeutic targets and diagnostic technologies.

Leadership and organization

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of community and scientific leaders. The president, a position held since 2011 by Dr. Andrew Weyrich, a renowned platelet biologist, oversees the scientific direction and daily operations. Research is led by program chairs and faculty who hold adjunct appointments at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The organization operates with a strong emphasis on recruiting and retaining early-career scientists through endowed scholar programs. It maintains a close alliance with the University of Oklahoma and is a key member of the Oklahoma Health Center consortium, while maintaining its independent, nonprofit status for scientific agility.

Facilities and resources

The main campus occupies several interconnected buildings in the Oklahoma Health Center complex, including the Donald W. Reynolds Center and the R. J. "Bob" and Vivian M. R. Reynolds Research Tower. These facilities house state-of-the-art core laboratories for genomics, proteomics, flow cytometry, and structural biology. The foundation also operates a specialized mouse genome research facility for genetic models of human disease. It provides researchers with advanced high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics support. Its location facilitates direct collaboration with neighboring institutions like the OU Medical Center and the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center.

Category:Medical research institutes in the United States Category:Organizations based in Oklahoma City Category:Biotechnology research institutes Category:1946 establishments in Oklahoma