Influence of ischaemic cardiomyopathy on haematopoiesis (A7)

The relationship between systemic leukocytosis and heart failure progression after myocardial infarction is well documented; however, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. We want to understand bone marrow remodelling post myocardial infarction and how this contributes to disease-promoting myelopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.

Haematopoiesis in myocardial infarction

The causal relationship between systemic leukocytosis and heart failure progression following myocardial infarction is well documented, and clinical studies show that leucocytosis is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Preliminary data reveal that bone marrow (BM) angiogenesis post myocardial infarction (MI) is a critical driver of enhanced haematopoiesis regulating the output and phenotype of disease-promoting leukocytes.

Rationale and aims

We aim to better understand how heart failure modulates the bone marrow vasculature, resulting in accelerated monocyte, neutrophil production and thrombopoiesis.

Approach

We will use high-end multi-colour fluorescence approaches such as intravital and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, multicolour flow cytometry and single-cell sequencing to gain new insights into the mechanisms underlying bone marrow remodelling post myocardial infarction.