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 NEW THERAPY AGAINST HEART FAILURE
Project leader: Joost P.G. Sluijter, PhD
University Medical Center Utrecht
Budget: € 1.300.000
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The toll of cardiovascular disease
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| Each year many people die of cardiovascular disease, which is still one of the greatest challenges in medical science. For quite some time, better or entirely new methods have been sought to help people who have suffered a heart attack. There are not many methods that are truly effective in helping patients, and those that are available are extremely expensive. At the same time, there is another alarming fact: if the injury to the heart muscle is very extensive, the gradual and further deterioration in heart function is very likely to occur. With fatal consequences for the long term. |
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© BMM / Rogier Trompert Medical Art
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Counteracting heart failure
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| This project is based on the recent discovery of very small pieces of RNA which can direct biological processes in cells and organs. These microRNAs, which are comparable to our DNA in terms of chemical structure, can be used to develop new therapies for heart failure. We know that certain microRNAs can have a positive influence on the pumping function of the heart and the blood supply to the heart muscle. In this project we will look for new microRNAs that can help to improve heart function and accelerate recovery after a heart attack. We also intend to develop carriers to deliver microRNAs exactly where they are needed, thereby reducing the risk of adverse side effects. Ultrasound treatment will then be used to ensure that the carrier materials are absorbed locally by the tissue and that the microRNAs are released at the desired location. |
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Partners
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The following companies and institutes work together to make a successs of LUST:
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Publications
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- van Mil A, Grundmann S, Goumans MJ, Lei Z, Oerlemans MI, Jaksani S, Doevendans PA, Sluijter JP. MicroRNA-214 inhibits angiogenesis by targeting Quaking and reducing angiogenic growth factor release. Cardiovasc Res. 2012 Feb 6. [Epub ahead of print]
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Contact
BioMedical Materials
Urmonderbaan 20/A
NL-6167 RD GELEEN
NETHERLANDS
T +31 (46) 702 2280
E info@bmm-program.nl
Last updated on 2012-08-30