THE CURRENT PROBLEM
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death not only in the US, but also globally. In the US alone, CVD is responsible for every 1 in 7 deaths, and 39.7% of Americans have a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher, making them at even higher risk for developing CVD. Though CVD can affect anyone who is at risk due to genetics or behavior, CVD disproportionately impacts those who are already socially marginalized. In the US, those who are impoverished, homeless, or undereducated are at higher risk of CVD due to factors such as stress and nutrition. Globally, over three quarters of CVD deaths result in low- and middle-income countries that lack the economic and health care resources needed to treat these issues. Clearly, CVD is an epidemic that must be prevented.
Current treatments for CVD have been in effect, but they are invasive, ineffective, and/or too expensive for patients affected by atherosclerosis and CVD. Solutions (such as surgery, anti-inflammatories, and anti-oxidants) have always existed for patients, but we have found that there are serious, possible side effects, high costs, and ineffectiveness associated with each of these treatments. Thus, Team COR is searching to improve the treatment methods of atherosclerosis in order to wholly prevent the progression of atherogenesis, which inevitably leads to damaging cardiovascular disease.
Current treatments for CVD have been in effect, but they are invasive, ineffective, and/or too expensive for patients affected by atherosclerosis and CVD. Solutions (such as surgery, anti-inflammatories, and anti-oxidants) have always existed for patients, but we have found that there are serious, possible side effects, high costs, and ineffectiveness associated with each of these treatments. Thus, Team COR is searching to improve the treatment methods of atherosclerosis in order to wholly prevent the progression of atherogenesis, which inevitably leads to damaging cardiovascular disease.
THE RESEARCH QUESTION
Which microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used to suppress protein function on CD36-presenting macrophages in order to reduce the uptake of oxLDLs?
PROJECT SCOPE
Our team will be working in the lab in order to carry out experiments that will help us to create and improve a miRNA delivery system for the treatment of atherosclerosis by targeting the LOX-1 gene via miRNA.
In particular, COR is interested in attempting to prevent atherogenesis, which is essentially the progression of atherosclerosis (the build-up of fats, cholesterol, plaque and other substances in the arterial wall). As seen in the image (Singapore Medical Clinic) to the left, atherosclerotic plaque can be very damaging, as it narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow around the body.
The steps to atherogenesis are as follows:
In particular, COR is interested in attempting to prevent atherogenesis, which is essentially the progression of atherosclerosis (the build-up of fats, cholesterol, plaque and other substances in the arterial wall). As seen in the image (Singapore Medical Clinic) to the left, atherosclerotic plaque can be very damaging, as it narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow around the body.
The steps to atherogenesis are as follows:
- Low density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulation in the arterial intima
- Oxidation of LDL promotes inflammatory response
- Recruitment of monocytes (macrophages)
- Uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophage scavenger receptors and differentiation of macrophages into foam cells
- Over time: formation of fibrous cap containing smooth muscle cells --> stabilization of plaque
DONATIONS AND FUNDING
In order to continue to research, we need your help! We greatly appreciate any contribution you can make to our cause. For any questions or donations, please contact us directly.
As of April 2018, we are currently having a LAUNCH campaign! Any donations would be greatly appreciated in order to reach our goal of $3500. Please go to our LAUNCH page and learn more.
As of April 2018, we are currently having a LAUNCH campaign! Any donations would be greatly appreciated in order to reach our goal of $3500. Please go to our LAUNCH page and learn more.
PROJECT TIMELINE
LEARN MORE
Presentations:
- Junior Colloquia
- Date: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Maryland Undergraduate Research Day 2019
- Date: TBA
- Location: TBA
- Senior Thesis Conference
- Date: TBA
- Location: TBA