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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.

Brian Speaks at the 6th International Conference of Retinoids

It was a pleasure to present face-to-face at the 6th International Conference of Retinoids held June 5-10, at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. The info-packed conference was chaired by Dr. Maureen Kane (U Maryland) and Alex Moise (Northern Ontario School of Medicine). We presented our latest work on the role of cardiac ATRA insufficiency in heart failure. Indeed, Hopkins was well represented, with Laszlo Nagy, Ph.D. who spoke on the role of RXRs in the epigenetic control of macrophage polarization and Keith West, DrPH, who gave a keynote address chronicling his work on the impact of Vitamin A supplementation in Asia…which was interrupted halfway through by an emergency tornado warning! Memorable on many levels.