The Jones Laboratory investigates how metabolic cues and extracellular matrix–derived signals regulate inflammation, ventricular remodeling, and functional adaptation of the heart in cardiometabolic disease. Our work integrates rigorous cardiovascular physiology with immunometabolism and matrix biology to define mechanisms that drive heart failure and identify pathways with translational relevance.

Led by Steven P. Jones, PhD, Professor and Director of the Center for Cardiometabolic Science, the laboratory has a long-standing record of NIH- and American Heart Association–funded discovery and training. We are recognized for combining mechanistic depth with physiological relevance, and for building reproducible experimental platforms that bridge basic biology with clinically meaningful pathophysiology.

Metabolic control of cardiac remodeling
We define how nutrient- and stress-responsive pathways shape cardiomyocyte and immune cell behavior during pressure overload, ischemia, and metabolic disease.

Extracellular matrix–immune crosstalk
Our work elucidates how matrix components such as hyaluronan act as dynamic signaling platforms that regulate inflammation, fibrosis, and ventricular adaptation.

Integrative cardiovascular physiology
We deploy in vivo models, advanced physiological phenotyping, and mechanistic molecular approaches to ensure discoveries are grounded in function, not just association.

Rigorous, reproducible translational science
Through core development and methodological leadership, we emphasize experimental rigor, scalability, and reproducibility across preclinical models of heart disease.

The Jones Laboratory uses complementary genetic, pharmacologic, and physiological strategies to interrogate cardiometabolic disease mechanisms across scales — from molecular signaling to whole-organ function. Our studies span heart failure, metabolic stress, ischemic injury, and cardiorenal interactions, with an emphasis on pathways that integrate metabolism, inflammation, and matrix remodeling.

Our work is deliberately collaborative and interdisciplinary, linking basic scientists, physiologists, and clinician-investigators to accelerate discovery and translation.

A core mission of the Jones Laboratory is to train the next generation of cardiovascular scientists. Our trainees routinely earn NIH and American Heart Association fellowships and advance to successful academic and industry careers.

Dr. Jones is a Fellow of the American Heart Association, the International Society for Heart Research, and the Cardiovascular Section of the American Physiological Society, and has served in national leadership roles including NIH study section chairmanship. These roles inform our lab culture, which emphasizes scientific clarity, mentorship, and service to the broader cardiovascular community.

For a complete list, please visit our Publications Page.