Mode of action of stem cell treatment in ischemic heart failure

Ischemic heart failure is an increasing burden in society. Treatment with adult stem cells in clinical studies has resulted in increased pump function of the heart and patient quality of life. However, the further clinical development of the therapy requires increased mechanistic understanding of the treatment.

This project investigates the molecular path from the moment of treatment to the observed functional effect in patients. The early effect of the treatment will be tested in a rat model for heart failure. Here, different cell types are investigated for all changes in gene expression the week after treatment. The later effect of the treatment will be tested on +1,100 proteins in blood samples from patients receiving stem cell treatment in clinical studies. The results will potentially increase treatment efficacy and help further clinical development of the treatment.

Mentors:

Basic mentor: Professor Thomas Litman, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen

Clinical mentor: Professor Jens Kastrup, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet