p38-MAPK mediates cardiac fibrosis via DNA hypomethylation
The build-up of scar tissue in the heart in response to injury such as a heart attack - a process called fibrosis - is a contributing factor to heart failure. During this process, some heart muscle cells change their identity and become fibroblasts cells, which leads to the build-up of scar tissue. One way that heart cells do this is by making a chemical change to their DNA, called methylation. However, exactly how changes in methylation occur in response to damage is unknown. Professor Eaton and his team think that a reduction in DNA methylation leads to heart scarring. In this project, they will use mice missing an important molecule needed for DNA methylation and see if they develop less heart scarring. They will also test whether drugs reducing methylation, can prevent scar formation. The researchers hope to find new ways to prevent heart scarring and consequently, new ways to prevent and treat heart failure.
Project details
| Grant amount | £322,313 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 August 2019 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/19/33/34385 |
| Status | In Progress |
