Grant: Project Grant

Virtually, all cells of the body exhibit a circadian clock that controls the timing of key processes including metabolism, respiration, intracellular trafficking and cell survival. The circadian clock is profoundly influenced by environmental cues such as the light/dark cycles, nutrient status, and oxygen availability. The circadian dependent effects on cardiac disease outcomes affects millions of individuals who are either shift workers or who have disrupted circadian rhythms due to health issues such as sleep apnea. A growing body of experimental and clinical evidence suggests a link between cardiac dysfunction and the circadian clock. There is substantial and compelling evidence that diurnal changes in the normal light/dark cycle profoundly influence the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system. The proposal will address the interplay between circadian disruption and myocardial infarction one of the most lethal forms of cardiac disease that affects individuals worldwide.