Technical Details:
A critical function of the endocardium is to maintain local thromboresistance by providing an anticoagulant surface. Thrombomodulin, is expressed on the surface of the endocardium endothelial cells and is the key component of the anticoagulant protein C pathway, and thus is critical to maintaining vascular thromboresistance. Endocardial Thrombomodulin expression is significantly reduced by acute heart failure and leads to local microthrombus formation. Conversely, targeted restoration of Thrombomodulin expression is an effective means to prevent microthrombus formation. JHU researchers have identified a novel and important regulator of Thrombomodulin expression in endothelial cells and demonstrated that the ability to prevent the downregulation of Thrombomodulin in endocardial cells.
Looking for Partners:
This technology describes a novel strategy for reducing the risk of stroke in patients with congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation, without subjecting them to the risks of systemic anticoagulation.
