The primary goal of this proposal is to train the principal investigator to become an independent laboratory based investigator in the field of cardiac failure. To accomplish this goal, the principal investigator proposes a detailed training program in the investigation of the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis in a transgenic mouse model. Several key collaborators will assist in this goal. They include her sponsor, Dr. David Dichek, an expert in gene manipulation in animal models of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Charles Murry, Pathology, will assist in the analysis of myocardial histology. In addition, the principal investigator presents a training plan including specific coursework, conferences, and the formation of an advisory committee to guide her development as a physician-scientist. Cardiac fibrosis is a common finding in end-stage heart failure independent of etiology. Mechanisms leading to the development of cardiac fibrosis are poorly defined. Recent work in the Dichek lab has indicated a possible role for urokinase plasminogen activator(uPA) in cardiac fibrosis. To define mechanisms involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis, the candidate proposes the following specific aims. 1)To test the hypothesis that cardiac fibrosis is mediated by increased activation of latent transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) leading to increased fibroblast activation. 2) To determine the role of plasminogen, matrix metalloproteinases and the uPA receptor in cardiac fibrosis. 3) To test the hypothesis that altered gene expression by bone marrow derived cells is sufficient to modulate cardiac fibrosis. The University of Washington has outstanding resources for the development of physician-scientists in cardiovascular diseases. There exists a strong collaborative approach to the study of cardiovascular biology between various departments and core laboratories. This environment will allow the principal investigator to gain both the technical expertise and the critical thinking skills necessary to develop into an independent investigator in cardiac failure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08HL070941-05
Application #
7085491
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHL1-CSR-M (M1))
Program Officer
Scott, Jane
Project Start
2002-07-22
Project End
2007-06-30
Budget Start
2006-07-01
Budget End
2007-06-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$125,658
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Meznarich, Jessica; Malchodi, Laura; Helterline, Deri et al. (2013) Urokinase plasminogen activator induces pro-fibrotic/m2 phenotype in murine cardiac macrophages. PLoS One 8:e57837
Minami, Elina; Castellani, Chiara; Malchodi, Laura et al. (2010) The role of macrophage-derived urokinase plasminogen activator in myocardial infarct repair: urokinase attenuates ventricular remodeling. J Mol Cell Cardiol 49:516-24
Frutkin, Andrew D; Otsuka, Goro; Stempien-Otero, April et al. (2009) TGF-[beta]1 limits plaque growth, stabilizes plaque structure, and prevents aortic dilation in apolipoprotein E-null mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 29:1251-7
Kremen, Michal; Krishnan, Ranjini; Emery, Isaac et al. (2008) Plasminogen mediates the atherogenic effects of macrophage-expressed urokinase and accelerates atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:17109-14
Moriwaki, Hideaki; Stempien-Otero, April; Kremen, Michal et al. (2004) Overexpression of urokinase by macrophages or deficiency of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 causes cardiac fibrosis in mice. Circ Res 95:637-44