Leader: Maria Grazia Andreassi (IFC-CNR, Pisa); Other collaborator(s): Mario Chiariello (IFC-CNR, Siena), Jonica Campolo (IFC-CNR, MIlano), Giuseppina Basta (IFC-CNR, Pisa)
Vascular aging plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, yet the molecular mechanisms influencing plaque stability and increasing the risk of thrombotic complications remain poorly understood. This project aims to comprehensively investigate the molecular pathways driving vascular senescence, with a particular focus on telomere-mitochondria cross-talk, to identify potential therapeutic targets and novel diagnostic or prognostic markers in acute coronary syndrome.
To achieve this, we will utilize replicative and stress-induced models of human vascular cellular senescence, along with well-characterized patient cohorts spanning the spectrum of angina pectoris (stable angina, unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI). In addition, we will use a MAPK15 knockout mouse model to study the role of this kinase in vascular aging and cardiometabolic disease.
The project is progressing well, with several research activities completed:
To date, 7 papers have been published with an acknowledgment of the grant received: