Project Title

Investigating the efficacy of novel biological intervention (anti-MFAP4) in heart failure

Background

This study aims to understand how a protein called microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) affects heart failure, a serious condition that can lead to death despite the best available treatments. MFAP4 is mostly found in blood vessels and is known to play a role in maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels. MFAP4 has been linked to harmful changes in blood vessels and organ scarring. Although MFAP4 has been connected to heart failure before, its exact role in this disease is still unclear.

Aim

MFAP4 is likely to cause long-term scarring in the heart, as heart failure progresses. The aim of the project is to test if blocking MFAP4’s harmful effects on certain cell signals could help reduce the heart scarring and improve heart function.

Methods

Our research group has developed a new intervention that targets MFAP4, therefore, blocking its ability to send harmful signals. To test the impact of this treatment on heart failure, mouse models that mimic heart failure will be utilized with and without treatment. In the end, the differences between heart function and heart architecture will be analyzed. Additionally, we will use advanced technology called spatial transcriptomics to understand which specific cells and pathways are affected by the treatment.