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The aim of this project is to identify the mechanism of action of factor VII activating protease (FSAP) in vascular diseases and to further develop its diagnostic and therapeutic potential

Subject Area Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
Term from 2009 to 2014
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 147662156
 
Final Report Year 2014

Final Report Abstract

The possibility to analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), across the population has thrown up a plethora of genes that are predictors of atherosclerosis and related events. The SNP rs7080536, also called Marburg I (MI) SNP in the hyaluronic acid binding protein-2 (HABP2) gene is a risk factor for carotid stenosis, thrombosis and stroke. This gene encodes for a circulating protease called factor seven activating protease (FSAP) and 5% of Europeans are carriers of this SNP. We have found that the MI-isoform of FSAP has lower proteolytic activity towards all substrates tested. This polymorphism, or mutation, provides an opportunity to explore the role of this gene in human disease and to identify novel molecular mechanisms. FSAP is secreted by the liver and found in the circulation as an inactive pro-form without any enzymatic activity. Nuclear components released by damaged cells, such as nucleosomes and histones, are potent activators of the FSAP zymogen. We have successfully demonstrated this principle in humans by showing that in patients with multiple trauma there was a large increase in FSAP activity which correlated strongly with an increase in circulating nucleosomes. In relation to the cardiovascular system we have performed some investigations using FSAP-/- mice and have collected convincing results indicating the importance of FSAP for these processes. In the vascular injury model, FSAP-/- mice exhibited higher neointima formation and stroke-related brain damage but were protected against thrombosis. These results are compatible with our findings that FSAP-/- mice exhibited enhanced fibrosis which was accompanied by a stronger inflammatory response in the liver. Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, usually arise due to a lack of resolution of inflammation and thus activation of the FSAP-pathway could be of therapeutic value in various cardiovascular diseases.

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