Understanding the biology underlying broken heart syndrome

MicroRNA modulation of β2-adrenoceptor signalling in Takotsubo Syndrome (Mr Liam Couch)

Supervised by Professor Sian Harding, this MBPhD student is working out what causes stress cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo syndrome). In broken heart syndrome, excess adrenaline after stressful events like bereavement or sudden shock can cause sudden heart failure. Patients develop symptoms that resemble a heart attack, but there is no blockage in the coronary arteries supplying the heart. Although most people recover well, some develop severe disease and even die. Scientists have found that the amounts of certain microRNA molecules (miRNAs) circulating in the blood increase in broken heart syndrome and can be used to distinguish it from a heart attack. These miRNAs have been shown to be linked to anxiety and depression, as has broken heart syndrome. Professor Harding’s team has found that, in broken heart syndrome, the effect of adrenaline switches from stimulating the heart to depressing heart function, which could cause heart failure. In this project, the student will study heart cells and a rat model of broken heart syndrome to find out whether the miRNAs appear only when heart problems develop, or if they are there already, potentially making someone more likely to develop the condition. They will test if the miRNAs influence the adrenaline response and what effect blocking them has on this response. This research will help us better understand the role of miRNAs in broken heart syndrome and may reveal ways to predict prevent or treat it.