Exosomes in Ischaemic Heart Disease Accompanied with Diabetes Mellitus: from Pathogenic Mediators to Novel Therapeutic Agents (renewal)
Professor Emanueli and her team want to understand the damaging molecular messengers sent to heart cells in diabetes. Having diabetes increases a person’s risk of developing coronary heart disease, and it makes the disease worse by damaging the small blood vessels of the heart. Researchers are working to unlock how diabetes exerts these damaging effects, so we can combat them and protect heart health. A leader in this quest, BHF Professor Costanza Emanueli, is investigating the role played by microRNAs. MicroRNAs are small molecules which help to control which proteins are active in a cell – and therefore how that cell functions. MicroRNAs are used in cell to cell communication and are shuttled between cells inside tiny packages called exosomes. Professor Emanueli has data suggesting that, in diabetes, the microRNAs transported around the heart in exosomes are damaging. When they get to their destination, they can cause cells to die and prevent the repair of blood vessels. In this programme her team will investigate these damaging exosome packages, and their consequences. By understanding this method of damage in the diabetic heart, it is hoped that a new therapy could be created. If the ‘payload’ of exosomes in the heart could be engineered – to contain heart-protective microRNAs, instead of damaging ones – we may sever a link between diabetes and heart disease. Notes: Involves 437 mice. Costanza Emanueli is a BHF Professor.
Project details
| Grant amount | £1,068,608 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Chairs & Programme Grants |
| Application type | Programme Grant - Migrated |
| Start Date | 01 January 1900 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Reference | RG/20/9/35101 |
| Status | On Hold |
