Margaret Schwarz

Margaret Schwarz serves as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Integrative Biology Graduate Program at Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend. Her research bridges biochemistry, vascular biology, and cancer therapeutics with emphasis on lung development and tumor microenvironment regulation.

Education:

• M.D., University of Missouri (1987)
• B.A. in Biology, University of Missouri (1986)

The Schwarz lab investigates vascular regulation in cancer progression and alveolar formation through transgenic mouse models, 3D cell cultures, and in vivo systems. Her seminal work focuses on Endothelial Monocyte Activating Polypeptide II (EMAP II), an anti-angiogenic mediator that inhibits endothelial cell adhesion and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Current research explores how vascular growth factors influence epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation, extracellular matrix deposition, and airway simplification in pulmonary diseases, while developing multi-targeted therapies for pancreatic and gastric cancers.

Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate her lab's dual focus: enhancing chemotherapy efficacy for gastrointestinal cancers through angiokinase inhibitors and liposomal formulations, and elucidating epigenetic mechanisms in pulmonary hypertension. These studies consistently show superior outcomes for combination therapies over conventional approaches, particularly in targeting tumor stroma and vascular remodeling.

Scientific Awards:

• Member, Society of Pediatric Research (2009)
• Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau Scholar, American Lung Association (1998)
• Finalist for the Louis N. Katz Basic Science Research Prize, American Heart Association (1995)
• Pediatric Research Award, Society of Critical Care Medicine (1994)
• Clinician Scientist Award, American Heart Association (1993-1998)

Research Support and Mentoring:

• Grants: Clinician Scientist Award (American Heart Association, 1993-1998) supported foundational vascular biology research
• Mentoring: Trains prospective graduate students in biochemical techniques, cancer modeling, and translational research through Notre Dame and IU programs

The Schwarz lab maintains active collaborations across institutions, utilizing advanced molecular techniques to dissect vasculature-tissue interactions in cancer and pulmonary disease while developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting angiogenesis and stromal components.