Description
In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.
After a heart attack, cardiac tissue becomes damaged, and the subsequent repair
often results in fibrosis and poor heart function. Connective Tissue Growth Factor
(CTGF) is a gene involved in healthy wound healing, and increased CTGF expression
has been shown to impact fibrosis. Previous research in the Doherty lab has found
associations between CTGF exon variants and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related
phenotypes and comorbidities. Additionally, the promoter region of CTGF was
investigated for genetic variants due to its impact on gene expression. Cheek cells
were collected from volunteers in the PSU population and DNA was extracted,
sequenced, and analyzed for genetic variants in both the promoter and exons of
CTGF. Volunteers also completed a survey about CVD-related phenotypes in their
family history. An inflammatory wound healing model was utilized in order to
determine the impact of specific exon variants on CTGF expression. One exon variant,
G1355T, significantly impacted CTGF expression, and was previously associated to a
decreased family history of CVD. Through targeted sequencing, we identified two
previously published CTGF promoter variants. One variant, G-745/-945C, had been
formerly found to increase CTGF expression and increase the likelihood for
developing systemic sclerosis (SSc). Going forward, understanding possible genetic
predispositions and the role of CTGF will help to identify those most at risk of
developing fibrosis prior to a heart attack/disease onset.
