Research Isabel Witvrouwen

Abstract

MicroRNAs are negative regulators of gene expression by inhibition of mRNA translation in the cell cytoplasm. MicroRNAs can be released into the circulation upon cell injury or as part of intercellular communication. Together with their remarkable stability in plasma, this feature makes microRNAs attractive as biomarkers. Physical exercise may alter gene expression through an effect on circulating microRNA. Exercise training is one of the most efficacious ways to improve physical performance, quality of life and to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. However, recent insights show that exercise-induced maladaptations may also lead to pathology, for example exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a condition well known in athletes. In this project, we will focus on the role of microRNA in cardiovascular adaptation to exercise at both spectra: the beneficial effects of exercise in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as well as exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (EI-ARVC) in athletes. MicroRNA's could serve as marker of and may even play a mechanistic role in the respons to exercise during cardiac rehabilitation. In El-ARVC, they could serve as diagnostic markers for this disease. In both conditions, microRNA's may offer insights into the underlying mechanisms that are involved in exercise-induced remodeling under the physiological stress of exercise.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Heidbuchel Hein
• Co-promoter: Van Craenenbroeck Emeline
• Fellow: Witvrouwen Isabel

Research team(s)

• Cardiovascular diseases (CARDIOVASC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

MicroRNAs are negative regulators of gene expression by inhibition of mRNA translation in the cell cytoplasm. MicroRNAs can be released into the circulation upon cell injury or as part of intercellular communication. Together with their remarkable stability in plasma, this feature makes microRNAs attractive as biomarkers. Physical exercise may alter gene expression through an effect on circulating microRNA. Exercise training is one of the most efficacious ways to improve physical performance, quality of life and to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. However, recent insights show that exercise-induced maladaptations may also lead to pathology, for example exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a condition well known in athletes. In this project, we will focus on the role of microRNA in cardiovascular adaptation to exercise at both spectra: the beneficial effects of exercise in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as well as exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (EI-ARVC) in athletes. MicroRNA's could serve as marker of and may even play a mechanistic role in the respons to exercise during cardiac rehabilitation. In El-ARVC, they could serve as diagnostic markers for this disease. In both conditions, microRNA's may offer insights into the underlying mechanisms that are involved in exercise-induced remodeling under the physiological stress of exercise.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Heidbuchel Hein
• Co-promoter: Van Craenenbroeck Emeline
• Fellow: Witvrouwen Isabel

Research team(s)

• Cardiovascular diseases (CARDIOVASC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Heart failure is the cardiovascular epidemic of the 21st century and despite improved medical management, prognosis remains grim. Exercise training is a powerful therapeutic strategy to improve morbidity and mortality in heart failure. However, the individual response to exercise training is highly variable among patients. Research into the phenomenon of high responders and low responders may provide helpful insights into the beneficial effects of exercise training. In this regards, the emerging field of exercise epigenomics is extremely promising. The potential of microRNA to become unique, blood-based epigenetic biomarkers for cardiovascular health and aerobic capacity is high. As such, they can assist in a tailored approach that offers safer and more effective therapy and avoids unnecessary treatments. In addition, an in-depth study of miRNA regulation in 'low-responders' versus 'high-responders', opens entirely new therapeutic avenues, either through a drugable antagomiRs, or trough identification of new therapeutic targets.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Craenenbroeck Emeline
• Fellow: Van Medegael Laure
• Fellow: Witvrouwen Isabel

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project