Joe Davis Velchev predoc researcher FWO

Research Joe Davis Velchev

Research team

In search of genetic modifiers for aortopathy in Loeys-Dietz families with a SMAD3 mutation. 01/11/2020 - 31/10/2024

Abstract

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a genetic disorder presenting with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), causing abnormal widening of the aorta, which leads to aortic rupture or dissection, a life-threatening complication that occurs unexpectedly. LDS is caused by genetic defects in six different genes of the TGF? pathway (TGFBR1/2, SMAD2/3, TGFB2/3), which is vital in the proper development of the body's connective tissue. Despite the progress in unraveling its genetic basis, there is a lack of understanding of the wide range of severity of cardiovascular involvement. In my project, I will focus on patients within families, carrying pathogenic SMAD3 variants, which show either no or early-onset aortic aneurysmal disease. I hypothesize that genetic modifiers of the primary SMAD3 mutation are the main contributors to the striking aortopathy variability in LDS-SMAD3 families. In this project, an innovative strategy will be used to identify genetic modifiers. I will perform genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism-based linkage analysis on two large SMAD3 families and whole-genome sequencing on selected individuals, combined with SMAD3 iPSC-VSMC (induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells) model creation and characterization and subsequent CRISPR/Cas9-based validation of the identified modifier(s). The predicted outcomes will advance the LDS and TAA knowledge, contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic targets and personalized medicine.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

In search of genetic modifiers for aortopathy in Loeys-Dietz families with a SMAD3 mutation. 01/11/2019 - 31/10/2020

Abstract

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a genetic disorder presenting with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), causing abnormal widening of the aorta, which leads to aortic rupture or dissection, a life-threatening complication that occurs unexpectedly. LDS is caused by genetic defects in six different genes of the TGF? pathway (TGFBR1/2, SMAD2/3, TGFB2/3), which is vital in the proper development of the body's connective tissue. Despite the progress in unravelling its genetic basis, there is a lack of understanding of the wide range of severity of cardiovascular involvement. In my project, I will focus on patients within families, carrying pathogenic SMAD3 variants, which show either no or early onset aortic aneurysmal disease. I hypothesize that genetic modifiers of the primary SMAD3 mutation are the main contributors to the striking aortopathy variability in LDS-SMAD3 families. In this project, an innovative strategy will be used to identify genetic modifiers. I will perform genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism-based linkage analysis on two large SMAD3 families and whole genome sequencing on selected individuals, combined with SMAD3 iPSC-VSMC (induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells) model creation and characterization and subsequent CRISPR/Cas9-based validation of the identified modifier(s). The predicted outcomes will advance the LDS and TAA knowledge, contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic targets and personalized medicine.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

    Project type(s)

    • Research Project