Damage-induced dynamics of the stromal compartment (B05)

• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456687919

The present application will characterize the response of pericytes to acute damage in the heart. The hypothesis behind this project is that cardiac pericytes orchestrate the vascular and cardiac remodelling that occurs after ischemic insult. In particular, we will study the involvement of pericyte-specific dysregulated signals, the downregulation of pericyte RGS5 and PDGFRβ in young hearts, and the upregulation of Tbx20 in aged hearts. The mechanisms downstream of these signalling pathways will be dissected with the objective of identifying potential therapeutic targets that will promote healing while minimizing scarring after cardiac damage.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1531: Damage control by the stroma-vascular compartment
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Head: Dr. Guillermo de Luxan Garcia