Matthew L. Springer

Dr. Matthew L. Springer is a Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, Department of Medicine. Joining the faculty in 2003, he serves as one of two non-clinician scientists within the Division, creating a unique bridge between basic cardiovascular research and clinical cardiology practice. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations with clinical researchers and public health experts across UCSF.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Molecular Biology from University of California, Berkeley (1981-1985)
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University (1985-1991)
• Postdoctoral training in Cell Biology/Biochemistry (1991-1993) and Molecular Pharmacology (1993-1997) at Stanford University

Dr. Springer's research program centers on translational cardiovascular investigations with three primary pillars: (1) cell and gene therapy approaches for myocardial infarction treatment, (2) mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular function, and (3) cardiovascular effects of tobacco and marijuana products. His laboratory developed a rat model for endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation that has become instrumental in studying secondhand smoke effects. Recent work increasingly focuses on the vascular consequences of novel nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn products, and marijuana vaporizers, with particular attention to endothelial dysfunction mechanisms.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward tobacco and marijuana product toxicology, with 12 of 15 articles (80%) examining cardiovascular effects of inhaled substances. His research demonstrates consistent methodology using endothelial function as a sensitive biomarker, while expanding from traditional cigarette smoke to contemporary products including THC edibles, IQOS devices, and various e-cigarette platforms. The work increasingly incorporates molecular mechanisms (RAGE pathway, nitric oxide signaling) alongside physiological assessments.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through:

• Nikon Small World Competition (4th place among 2000+ entries, 2012)
• Vascular Biology Center Student's Choice Speaker (2019)
• Dean's Apple Award for teaching (UCSF School of Pharmacy)
• Multiple teaching awards from Stanford University

Dr. Springer has secured continuous research funding since 2003, currently maintaining five active NIH R01 grants plus California state funding, totaling over $15 million in current support. His laboratory operates as part of the UCSF Cardiovascular Research Institute, collaborating with the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education. Current projects include investigating how dual use of tobacco and marijuana products affects cardiovascular function (R01HL174690) and examining chronic marijuana effects on endothelial function (R01DA058069). The lab maintains specialized facilities for vascular reactivity testing, cell culture, and animal models of cardiovascular disease.