Reparative functions of endothelial cells in the aging heart (B04)

• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 394046768

The group has during the first funding period explored the impact of aging on endothelial cells in the mouse and human heart. Paracrine factors in the cardiac microenvironment and endothelial cell intrinsic epigenetically regulated genes were found to be altered in the aging heart. Based on preliminary data showing a decline of Vegfb/VEGFB in the mouse and human heart during aging, project B04 will address whether restoring VEGFB can rescue age-induced pathological effects. Moreover, we will study how epigenetically regulated genes contribute to endothelial aging. The role of the transcription factor Zbtb16, which is reduced in endothelial cells of old mouse hearts, will towards this end be studied.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1366: Vascular Control of Organ Function
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Stefanie Dimmeler; Dr. Julian Wagner, since 1/2023