Project No. | LZP-2021/1-0563 |
|---|---|
Project Coordinator
| Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) |
Project manager | Dr. Līga Zvejniece (LIOS) |
Implementation period | 36 months (2022-2024) |
Total cost
| 299 943,60 EUR |
The aim of this project is to define the sex-specific physiological role of Sigma 1 receptor in the development of cardiometabolic diseases, and to discover novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of myocardial infarction and metabolic syndrome.
The role of the Sig1R in the bioenergetics of mitochondria, metabolism and heart function will be studied. We will specifically explore the development of cardiometabolic diseases in Sig1R knock-out mice. In addition, we will test the potential of Sig1R activation in experimental models of heart infarction and metabolic syndrome.
The project is expected to result in breakthrough knowledge about the role of Sig1R in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases and to drive the discovery of innovative approaches to treat heart infarction and metabolic syndrome.
Project Progress
- in collaboration with WelabBarcelona, Spain, a biological material transfer agreement was signed for the purchase of biological material (Sigma-1 receptor knockout mice and their littermates) to provide the project with the necessary number of animals for experiments, as well as a colony of mice was received and breeding was initiated;
- the permit No. 133/2022 (starting from 10.04.2022) was obtained to perform experimental procedures within the framework of the project in accordance with the guidelines provided by EU Directive 2010/63/EU and in accordance with local laws and policies; all procedures have been approved by the Animal Protection Ethics Committee of the Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia in Riga, Latvia.
- The following research activities were carried out during the reporting period:
the experiments were conducted to find out the sex-specific role of Sig1R in heart function under normal and stress conditions; - Dr.med. Līga Zvejniece participated in symposium “Mitochondria-associated membranes as therapeutic target in rare neurodegenerative diseases” SIRMAMTHERA’22 with a lecture “Metabolomic Signatures of Sigma-1 Receptor Knockout Mice” and conducted a session “Signalling & Processes”. The event took place on October 26–27, 2022 in Bratislava, Slovakia. During the symposium, joint cooperation on Horizon Europe projects related to rare disease research was discussed.
Publication date 03.01.2023
- the experiments were conducted to find out the sex-specific role of Sig1R in cardiometabolic function under normal and stress conditions;
- using Sig1R knockout gene models, the functional and anatomical parameters of the heart were assessed. The results were published:
- Degtjarjovs N, Vilskersts R. The Sex-Dependent Role of Sigma-1 Receptor in Left Ventricular Function of the Mice Heart. RSU International Student Conference 2023, 27-28 March 2023, Rīga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
- Zvejniece L, Degtjarjovs N, Švalbe B, Cīrule H, Vilšķērsts R and Dambrova M. Genetic inactivation of the Sigma-1 receptor in mice alters heart function in a sex-specific manner. 5th World Congress of Latvian Scientists “Research Latvia”, 27th–29th June 2023, Riga, Latvia.