EPIGENETIC REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION
In the nucleus, DNA is wrapped around histone proteins (i.e. nucleosomes). This combination of DNA, histones and other proteins is referred to as chromatin. Both the DNA and proteins in this complex are susceptible to modifications which can alter the chromatin structure and consequently influence gene transcription. Changes in gene transcription can influence cell fate and physiology and have been shown to be altered in diseases such as heart failure. Because more people die from heart disease than any other pathology, the Franklin lab is interested in identifying the epigenetic factors that regulate gene transcription in the heart during disease progression. To do this, the lab uses a combination of proteomics, mass spectrometry, biochemistry and molecular biology to elucidate the role of histone isoforms, post-translational modifications and other chromatin binding proteins on chromatin structure and gene accessibility. Additionally, the Franklin lab also determines how these factors contribute to the regulation of heart morphology and physiology.
Research Areas
Simultaneously, we published structure-function studies focused on the impact of mechanical unloading on reverse remodeling and myocardial recovery that are bringing our scientific progress in myocardial recovery from bench to bedside. Along these lines the UCAR program was a leader in the bridge-to-recovery multicenter study RESTAGE-HF which is considered widely as a turning point for the myocardial recovery field.
UCAR was supported over the years by extramural funding through the NIH, AHA, Dpt of Veterans Affairs, European Union, Doris Duke Foundation, Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation, Intermountain Research Medical Foundation and others.
Molecular Mechanisms in Heart Failure, Reverse Remodeling and Myocardial Recovery
Ischemia-reperfusion and cardiogenic shock
Myocardial and Vascular Metabolism
Graft structure-function and coronary allograft vasculopathy
MASS SPECTROMETRY
The Franklin lab is equipped with an Orbitrap Velos Pro Mass Spectrometer which allows state-of-the art analysis of proteins and peptides.
