Identification of the molecular drivers of collateral arteries
We have earlier shown that coronary collateral arteries aid cardiac regeneration in mice. However, it is still unknown how endothelial cells coordinate and orchestrate this extremely sophisticated process in a timely manner. By gathering clues from available single cell sequencing databases of mouse hearts, we are interested in identifying molecular pathways that contribute to new coronary collateral arteries and the remodeling of microvasculature post-myocardial regeneration. We hope to determine why adult mouse hearts fail to demonstrate robust vascular responses like injured neonatal hearts. Experimental induction of myocardial infarction (with microsurgery in neonatal and adult mice), mouse genetics and several in vivo and in vitro assays are used to validate the role of candidate molecules. |