The major goal of the project is to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying diabetes-associated vascular endothelial dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus, one of the major leading chronic morbidities worldwide, is continually increasing with a high prevalence in the United States and throughout the world. Cardiovascular complications are mainly responsible for the high morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. Vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus critically contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease and its cardiovascular complications. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes remain largely unknown. SIRT6, a new member of the sirtuin family of proteins, has recently recognized as a master regulator of stress resistance, gene transcription, genome stability and metabolic homeostasis. SIRT6 has distinct cellular localization and function from other sirtuin family members such as well-studied SIRT1. Recent studies indicate that SIRT6 deficiency is associated with metabolic disease, and SIRT6 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic candidate fighting the metabolic syndrome epidemic. In parallel, emerging evidence from our group suggests that SIRT6 plays a crucial role in regulation of endothelial homeostasis and endothelial SIRT6 deficiency is associated with diabetes. As such we propose that an alternation of SIRT6 expression in diabetes could result in endothelial dysfunction and thus a predisposition to atherosclerosis, and resorting SIRT6 function could improve endothelial homeostasis and protects against atherosclerosis in diabetes. We will use the combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to test this novel hypothesis. Results from our proposed studies, if as anticipated, would help to understand the molecular basis of endothelial dysfunction, and facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches, such as enhancing SIRT6 expression and activity, to limit diabetes-accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Public Health Relevance

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for individuals with diabetes. SIRT6 is a new member of the sirtuin family of proteins that modulate metabolism and longevity. The proposed studies focusing on new role of SIRT6 in regulation of endothelial homeostasis will significantly increase our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced premature endothelial dysfunction, and therefore provide the basis to develop new therapies to prevent diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL130167-04
Application #
9900038
Study Section
Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology Study Section (VCMB)
Program Officer
Gao, Yunling
Project Start
2017-07-01
Project End
2021-03-31
Budget Start
2020-04-01
Budget End
2021-03-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
School of Medicine & Dentistry
DUNS #
041294109
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627
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