Mechanisms, therapeutics and diagnostic potential of circular RNAs in HFpEF (B07)

• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology ; Pharmacology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 437531118

Our work program consists of three specific, interconnected work packages (WP) and is strongly integrated into the CRC. The overall goal is to investigate how circular RNAs are mechanistically involved in cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction. We have established and published relevant methods for cardiac phenotyping, RNA sequencing and analysis. Specifically, we aim (1) to improve our understanding about the function and potential therapeutic modulation using in vitro and ex vivo models of HFpEF, (2) to establish a new cell-type specific circRNA-based therapeutic approach of HFpEF and (3) to test whether selected circulating noncoding RNAs can serve as stratification markers in various cohorts of patients with HFpEF. The ambition and vision of this project is to develop a next generation therapeutic approach for HFpEF patients within the first funding period of the CRC and beyond.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1470: Multilevel mechanistic characterisation of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction - Towards a novel classification of HFpEF for targeted therapies
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas Thum, Ph.D.