Ferrari Lab – Columbia Biobank for Translational Science

Giovanni Ferrari, PhD

PI: Giovanni Ferrari, PhD 

Location

P&S Building
630 W. 168th Street, 17-401
New York, NY 10032
 

Current Research Focus

Dr. Ferrari's research program focuses on cardiovascular disease across the lifespan, with an emphasis on heart valve biology, implanted cardiovascular biomaterials, congenital heart disease, and heart transplantation. His laboratory investigates the molecular, cellular, and biomechanical mechanisms driving native and prosthetic heart valve degeneration, including serotonin signaling, glycoxidation, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and pediatric-specific mechanisms of biomaterial failure. Current research includes improving the durability of bioprosthetic and reconstructive heart valve materials, therapeutic targeting of mitral valve and left ventricular remodeling, preservation and rehabilitation of living allogeneic heart valves, and extended hypothermic oxygenated preservation strategies for donor hearts and partial heart transplantation. His work integrates human biobanking, large-animal models, mechanobiology, advanced imaging, multi-omics, and translational collaborations.

Selected Recent Publications (2024–Present)

  • Ex vivo hypothermic oxygenated perfusion allows extended heart preservation in a donation-after-circulatory-death porcine model. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (2026).
  • Ex Vivo Hypothermic Perfusion Enables 48-Hour Heart Preservation and Bench-Top Functional Recovery via Normothermic Reperfusion in a Porcine Model. Journal of the American Heart Association (2026).
  • Inhibition of the Serotonin Transporter and Risk of Heart Valve Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Journal of Pharmacology (2026).
  • Serotonin transporter downregulation is associated with aortic stenosis and early profibrotic remodeling. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (2026).
  • Clinical and Experimental Studies of Structural Valve Degeneration of Bovine Jugular Vein Valves. Pediatric Cardiology (2025).
  • A custom preservation solution extends the ex vivo availability of living heart valves for transplantation. JTCVS Open (2025).
  • Storage, Preservation, and Rehabilitation of Living Heart Valves to Treat Congenital Heart Disease. Med (2024).

Grants & Funding (2024–Present)

  • Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation / Mussallem CHD Alliance – Principal Investigator
  • NIH R01 HL170573 – Contact PI
  • NIH R01 HL163085 – Contact PI
  • NIH R01 HL178026 – Contact PI
  • NIH R01 HL131872 – Principal Investigator
  • xVIVO Perfusion Inc. – Industry-sponsored heart preservation program
  • Columbia Department of Surgery Validation Fund
  • Co-Investigator on multiple additional federal and institutional awards

Leadership & Other Important Contributions

  • Director, Columbia Biobank for Translational Science.
  • Vice Chair of Research, Columbia Department of Surgery
  • Co-Director, Columbia Surgery Cardiovascular Research Institute