O-GlcNAc, a novel strategy to treat acute cardiovascular shock and improve survival

Septic shock is an acute pathology that is the leading cause of admission to ICUs across Canada, and the developed world. Unfortunately, no treatment to date has yet to be proven beneficial. Cardiac failure is a major factor in the mortality induced by septic shock. A major player to be targeted in treating this dysfunction are the mitochondria. The Ottawa-Nantes Sepsis Therapy (ONSET) collaboration will bring two groups of cardiovascular experts to address this pressing issue. Together, this research project will look to formulate novel pre-clinical evidence for the cardiac mito-protective effect of O-GlucNAcylating compounds, a post-translational modification proven to be beneficial in early phase sepsis by the Lauzier Lab in Nantes. The expertise of the Burelle Lab (Canada) in mitochondrial bioenergetics, and working with pharma companies who produce said compounds, will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of septic injury and potential mito-targeted drug therapies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yan Burelle

Student:

Partner:

Nantes Université

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: