00702-A: Serotonin and Transforming Growth Factor-B Signaling in Canine Mitral Valve Disease
Grant Status: Closed
Grant Amount: $12,960
Mark A. Oyama, DVM; University of Pennsylvania
April 1, 2006 - September 30, 2007
Sponsor(s): American Boxer Charitable Foundation, American Bullmastiff Association, American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc., Briard Club of America Health & Education Trust, Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, French Bulldog Club of America, Golden Retriever Foundation, Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Keeshond Club of America, Labrador Retriever Club, LEAP Agility, Leonberger Health Foundation, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Saluki Club of America, Inc., Saluki Health Research, Inc., Scottish Terrier Club of America, Skye Terrier Club of America
Breed(s): -All Dogs
Research Program Area: Cardiology
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Abstract
Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in dogs. Increased serotonin and transforming growth factor-� (TGF-�) signaling causes valvular disease in humans and experimental animal models. The pathologic characteristics of serotonin-TGF-�-mediated valve disease is very similar to DMVD. Previous research by the PI has shown significant upregulation of serotonin receptors and TGF-� signaling molecules in mitral valve tissue from affected dogs. We propose investigating the role of the serotonin-TGF-� pathway in mitral valves from dogs with severe DMVD. The findings of this study will advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of DMVD and may lead to blood tests that detect abnormal serotonin signaling as well as new pharmacologic interventions to blunt activity of this harmful pathway.Publication(s)
None at this time.
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