Identify Smooth Muscle Cell Specific Protein as Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Dissection

JI Program: Cardiovascular

Summary

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a lethal disease and early diagnosis significantly improves an AAD patient’s chances of survival. Yet, there are no ideal biomarkers or the early diagnosis of AAD. AAD occurs when the media of the aortic wall becomes dissected by the blood stream through a primary intimal tear. There is extensive smooth muscle cells (SMC) injury during AAD and – by identifying SMC proteins in the serum of AAD, coronary artery syndrome, and healthy donor patients – we hypothesize that SMC-specific proteins will be elevated only in the AAD group. The most sensitive and specific protein will then be considered a candidate biomarker for use in early diagnosis of AAD. Both institutional partners have access to a large population of AAD patients, as well as the research infrastructure and capability to perform all proposed experiments. Both institutions also have the proteomics core facilities and laboratory support necessary to measure SMC-specific proteins in the serum.

Outcomes

  • 104 patients have been enrolled to identify elevated proteins in the serum in patients of AAD using proteomics.
  • Three target proteins were identified as biomarkers of AAD with proteomics.