Implication of the nucleotide pool sanitizing enzyme NUDT1 in vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive condition characterized by the chronic elevation of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure leading to failure of the heart. In spite of recent advances in approved therapies, PAH remains a serious disease with significant mortality. In contrast to the earlier belief that contraction of pulmonary vessels played a key role in PAH, it is now established that excessive proliferation of the cells within the pulmonary artery wall is a pivotal component of pulmonary vascular obliteration, a currently irreversible feature of PAH for which available pharmacotherapies have no/limited efficacy. In recent years, it has become increasingly appreciated that damage to cells’ DNA (where our genes are encrypted) largely contributes to this phenomenon in PAH by influencing numerous functions of the cells.
This proposal addresses a very novel and promising therapeutic avenue to treat PAH by studying the role of NUDT1 in the progressive vascular remodeling seen in PAH.

Faculty Supervisor:

Olivier Boucherat

Student:

Partner:

HVL Therapeutics Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program: