Eric M. Small

Eric M. Small, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, with secondary appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Pharmacology and Physiology. He directs the Small Lab at the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, where his research focuses on transcriptional regulation of cardiac development, disease mechanisms, and regenerative potential.

Dr. Small received his formal education through:

• B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan (1995)
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Austin under Dr. Paul Krieg (2003)
• Postdoctoral training at UT Southwestern Medical Center with Dr. Eric Olson (2005-2011)
• Additional postdoctoral work at Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto with Dr. Benoit Bruneau (2004-2005)

His laboratory investigates two primary research themes: (1) cardiac fibroblast plasticity and pathological fibrosis development following cardiac injury, using gene expression profiling in animal models and human samples to identify novel fibrosis regulators; and (2) epicardium-derived progenitor cell mobilization during development and potential regenerative applications, with focus on mechanosensitive gene programs essential for cell migration and differentiation. The lab employs mouse genetics, cell biology, advanced imaging, and bioinformatic approaches to develop therapeutic strategies targeting cardiac scarring and heart failure progression.

Analysis of Dr. Small's recent publications reveals strong focus on transcriptional regulation of fibrosis, cardiac remodeling mechanisms, and novel therapeutic targets. His work spans molecular mechanisms of fibroblast activation, nuclear envelope integrity in cardiomyopathies, and high-throughput screening for antifibrotic compounds, demonstrating consistent trajectory toward understanding and intervening in pathological cardiac remodeling processes.

Scientific Recognition

• Established Investigator Award (2023)
• Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award (2013)
• Scientist Development Grant (2010-2014)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2004-2007)
• Best Poster Presentation Award (2002)

Dr. Small has successfully mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, many of whom now hold faculty positions or industry roles. His laboratory receives support from multiple NIH training grants including T32 programs in Cellular, Biochemical & Molecular Sciences and Immunology. Current research directions include exercise-induced cardioprotection, PKP2-related arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy mechanisms, and Sprr2b regulation of fibroblast plasticity.

The Small Lab maintains active collaborations within the University of Rochester Medical Center and with external institutions, operating within the Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute infrastructure with access to advanced imaging, genomics, and preclinical testing facilities. The lab's research directly contributes to understanding fundamental cardiac biology while developing translational approaches for treating heart failure and fibrosis.