Grant: Operating Grant

Over the past few years, we have identified a population of stem cells present in all tissues that plays both positive and negative roles following damage. On the one hand, it produces factors that enhance the ability of other stem cells to repair the damage. On the other hand, we have reasons to believe these stem cells are the origins of myofibroblasts, which create scar tissue and can interfere with heart function. Here we will build on preliminary results indicating these cells are active after myocardial infarction. We propose to characterize the role of these cells in the heart, to find drugs that will block myofibroblast production and to test the effects of these drugs on post-MI heart function.