We study signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms engaged by the heart to regulate gene expression programs that lead to heart failure. Specifically, we are interested in:

1. Epigenetic regulation of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory secreted factors from the cardiac myocyte and cardiac fibroblast
2. Functional investigation of a novel transcription factor which is necessary for myofibroblast activation
3. Epigenetic regulation of aging associated diastolic dysfunction and systemic “inflammaging”

The lab uses a combination of cell culture and animal models, high throughput genetic screens, and omics technologies to conduct discovery and hypothesis guided research. Ultimately, we aim to develop therapeutics that shift the heart’s responses to high blood pressure or ischemia toward ones that resembles the heart’s response to exercise training.

Stratton Lab Webpage