Project Details
Role of micronuclei-contained DNA and the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS in atherosclerosis (B12#)
Subject Area
Cardiology, Angiology
Term
since 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 238187445
Arterial predisposition to atherosclerosis is dictated by hemodynamic forces characterizing different arterial sites and by epigenetic variation in endothelial cells (ECs). Epigenetic variation such as mutations and DNA damage can accumulate in cytosolic extranuclear chromatin bodies termed micronuclei (MN) and have been implicated in promoting the development of atherosclerosis. As the role of endothelial MN during atherosclerosis is unknown, we will investigate the mechanism of MN generation during atherosclerosis, the DNA content and de novo RNA synthesis in MN by whole genome and RNA sequencing, and the role of the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS in regulating MN effects and atherosclerosis.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
Applicant Institution
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Project Head
Dr. Lucia Natarelli