The Proteomics of Atrial-Ventricular Septal Defects in Down Syndrome is funded by the Department of Defense

We are thrilled to announce that our collaboration with our colleague, developmental cardiobiologist, Dr. Chulan Kwon, has been selected for funding from the U.S. Department of Defense. The project explores understudied sequelae of Down Syndrome gene dosage leading to septal defects that cannot be inferred from genomic or transcriptomic data alone. We use the tools of proteomics to probe differences in post-translational modification, altered splicing, novel microproteins, and protein interactors of specific ion channels in the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion derived from the second heart field.

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The Role of Retinoid Metabolism in Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure Funded by NIH

With the award of an R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health we are excited to begin a deep dive into understanding precisely how Vitamin A (retinol) is converted to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in the adult mammalian heart and how retinoid metabolism becomes discombobulated in the setting of heart failure (see Research tab). These studies extend our longstanding collaboration with Dr. Maureen Kane (co-PI), of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

Kyriakos’ O-GlcNac Work Published in JBC

Congrats to Kyriakos, whose study on the impact of O-GlcNacylation on the MAP kinases, p38 and Erk1/2 in cardiac myocytes was accepted for publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. This work was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Brian O’Rourke (Division of Cardiology) and Dr. Natasha Zachara (Dept of Biological Chemistry). Kyriakos’ studies were aided by our talented undergraduate students Jessica, Cecelia, Amir and Eddie.

Brian Speaks at the 8th International Caparica Conference on Analytical Proteomics

It was tough work, but someone had to do it. Brian was invited to present at the 8th International Caparica Conference on Analytical Proteomics in Caparica, Portugal (across the bay from Lisbon), July 18-21, 2022. Specifically, he talked about how the lab has used integrated proteomics (whole proteome and targeted MS quantification) and metabolomics to reveal a role for cardiac ATRA insufficiency in the pathogenesis of HF in both preclinical models and patients. The conference, organized by the indefatigable Jose Luis Capelo (NOVA University of Lisboa), featured an excellent keynote presentation from Christopher Overall (University of British Columbia) and American Journal of Physiology editor, Dr. Merry Lindsey (Meharry College). The program was strong and the venue afforded a beautiful vista of the Atlantic Ocean, two reasons Brian will definitely put the meeting on his calendar for 2024.