Cell-specific activation of Wnt signaling in healing after myocardial infarction (A07*)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 331351713

Wnt signaling orchestrates both reparative and maladaptive processes after myocardial infarction (MI) and during heart failure. This project aims to map Wnt ligand secretion after MI and to assess their specific roles in cardiac healing and remodeling. Using cell type-specific in vivo secretome profiling, we will determine which and how Wnt ligands are released by cardiomyocytes and macrophages after MI and upon pharmacological inhibition. Next, we will validate the presence of vesicle-bound and freely circulating Wnt ligands in a patient cohort experiencing acute coronary ischemia. Finally, we will dissect the mechanistic and functional effects of MI-associated Wnts using CRISPRi and pharmacological inhibition in living human cardiac tissue slices.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1324: Mechanisms and functions of Wnt signaling
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Florian Leuschner