témavezető: Szokodi István
helyszín (magyar oldal): PTE ÁOK Pécs, Szigeti u. 12. helyszín rövidítés: ÁOK
A kutatási téma leírása:
Congestive heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite recent advances in medical therapy. The most commonly used positive inotropes, β-adrenergic agonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, exert their positive inotropic effects by stimulating the cAMP–protein kinase A pathway in the myocardium. These agents provide rapid and dramatic improvements in cardiac performance, producing immediate relief of heart failure symptoms. However, the prolonged use of these agents may lead to serious adverse cardiac effects. We aim to identify novel pathways in the heart that confer protection against stress-induced myocyte apoptosis, while improving contractile function. We will characterize the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), and protein kinase C-α (PKCα) in the regulation of cardiac contractility. A signaling pathway that promotes cardiomyocyte survival while improving contractility may offer an attractive approach for treating patients with heart failure.