REGENERATION PERMISSIVE MATRISOME FROM ZEBRA FISH HEART  FOR CARDIAC HEALING AFTER HEART ATTACK

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This project investigates the regenerative mechanisms of the zebrafish heart, focusing on the role of the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) and bioactive nanovesicles during the healing process after cryoinjury. Specifically, the study aims to characterize the cargo molecules contained within ECM-associated nanovesicles isolated from both healthy and injured zebrafish hearts. These vesicles will be analyzed to understand their potential role in cardiac repair.

The project will also explore the immune response by studying how human peripheral blood-derived monocytes react to these nanovesicles, providing insight into macrophage metabolism and the immune reaction during cardiac injury. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of these vesicles will be assessed by testing their effects on iPSC-derived human cardiomyocytes, lab-engineered mini-heart tissues, and a mouse model of myocardial infarction.

Ultimately, this research aims to develop a novel therapeutic approach for patients with acute or chronic myocardial infarction, leveraging the regenerative capacity observed in zebrafish to create translatable, long-term treatments for human heart disease.