Sima Tarzami

Sima Tarzami is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Howard University College of Medicine. She earned her PhD in Pathology/Cardiology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2002 and completed her postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she served on faculty from 2007 to 2015 before joining Howard University. Her research bridges immunology and cardiovascular biology, focusing on the role of chemokines in cardiac myocyte function and heart failure.

• BSc in Biology, Hofstra University (1995)
• MSc in Cytogenetics, Hofstra University (1998)
• PhD in Pathology/Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2002)

Dr. Tarzami's research is centered on chemokine signaling in cardiac physiology, particularly the roles of CXCR4 and CXCR7 in regulating cardiac function, stem cell differentiation, and cardioprotection. Her work explores both adaptive and maladaptive roles of chemokines in heart failure, inflammation, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Using in vitro and in vivo models, she investigates how chemokines influence calcium handling, hypertrophy, apoptosis, and stem cell mobilization in the heart.

Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling, gene therapy for cardiac repair, and the crosstalk between chemokine and adrenergic receptors. Themes include epigenetic regulation in pulmonary hypertension, SERCA2a-based therapies, and the dual roles of inflammation in cardiac injury. These works span molecular cardiology, regenerative medicine, and translational therapeutics.

Dr. Tarzami has received multiple scientific awards and grants as Principal Investigator, including:

• NIH/HU RCMI-P3 Pilot Project grant
• HU-Advance Mini grant
• NIH/NHLB K02 award
• AHA/Founders Affiliate Award (twice)

She has mentored numerous trainees through her laboratory and has taught medical biochemistry and molecular biology in small group settings. Her work is supported by competitive funding, reflecting her leadership in cardiovascular research. Dr. Tarzami leads a dynamic research program investigating novel pathways for cardioprotection and cardiac regeneration, with potential implications for treating heart failure and ischemic injury.

Her laboratory operates within the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Howard University, contributing to the institution’s mission in biomedical research and training. She collaborates widely with researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and other institutions, maintaining an active network in cardiovascular and stem cell research.