Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the European Union and ageing is one of their major risk factors. Ageing results in the progressive deterioration of the cardiac structures and function. The hypothesis of this project is that the coronary endothelium works as a molecular signalling hub that integrates the ageing signals arising in the heart. Our main objective is to dissect the molecular interactions between endothelium and myocardium, paying special attention to the secreted signals produced by the aged endothelium. To study the molecular mechanisms controlling this interaction, we will combine in vitro cell culture studies with in vivo gain- and loss-of-function experiments.

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