Gene expression profiling Transcriptome of monocytes in subclinical atherosclerosis and MI patients

Coordinator:		Prof. Dr. Stefan Blankenberg                                                                Dr. Patrick Linsel-Nitschke
Institution:		Universitätsmedizin Mainz                                                         Universität Lübeck
Homepage:		www.klinik.uni-mainz.de

Within this sub-project genom-wide expression (GWE) analyses of monocyte mRNA as well as miRNA in relation to subclinical atheroclerosis and actue myocardial infarction will be performed. Monitoring of subclinical atherosclerosis is conducted within the Gutenberg Heart Study (Mainz) by measurement of endothelial function, by assessment of the resistance vessel reactivity and by measurement of ankle-brachial index and intima-media thickness. In addition investigators of the Universtiy of Lübeck have recently started a complementary approach to collect monocyte RNA from patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients included in this study have onset of symptoms within 6 hours before blood collection for monocyte RNA isolation.
In synergy with the genom-wide association studies of subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in other sub-projects of this IG (sub-project A1-A3) we predict that genetic variation associated with risk of disease will have a discernible impact on gene expression patterns. This sub-project will contribute substantially to the overall research goal by integrating results from GWA and GWE and miRNA studies, enabling further functional analysis and the identification of targets for screening and therapy.