Myocardial immune cell activation and fibrosis (B02)

• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 437531118

HFpEF is hemodynamically characterized by an increase in left ventricular stiffness correlated with a rise in extracellular matrix. The project focuses on the integrin network and stiffness sensing and their contribution to modulate fibrosis as they regulate collagen formation and the cardiac invasion of inflammatory cells and fibrocytes. Hereby, this project will provide insights into how mechanosensitive pathways differ between HFpEF and HFrEF. Building on these findings, we will evaluate specific integrins as therapeutic targets to improve HFpEF treatment using small molecules.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1470: Multilevel mechanistic characterisation of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction - Towards a novel classification of HFpEF for targeted therapies
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Dr. Alessio Alogna, since 8/2024; Professor Dr. Carsten Tschöpe, until 7/2024