Maya Bolger-Chen & Ruei-Jen Abraham-Fan, PhD

Cavitation-facilitated AAV Gene Therapy for Cardiovascular and Muscular Disorders (Maya)

Druggable Pathways Involving Platelet Signaling for Slowing Aortic Stenosis Progression (Ruie-Jen)

In the first half of the series, we will review progress to date on augmenting AAV gene therapy by ultrasound cavitation of microbubble contrast agents. We will discuss work performed to optimize acoustic environment, to understand mechanism, and to translate the technology from cardiac to skeletal muscle. In the second half of the series, we will review current progress on understanding the role of platelets in promoting aortic stenosis (AS) progression through myofibroblastic and osteogenic transformation, and EndoMT of valve endothelial cells. We will also review candidate compounds found to slow accelerated forms of AS.  

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BIMS Graduate Student, Lindner Lab, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of
Virginia, Charlottesville Va.

Senior Laboratory Specialist, Lindner Laboratory, Cardiovascular Research Center,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville Va