Role of 5830432E09Rik long noncoding RNA in cardiac dysfunction

The College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University (NYITCOM-Arkansas), received a two-year Institutional Research Enhancement Award from the American Heart Association to investigate how long noncoding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) contributes to cardiac dysfunction. Building on research into thyroid hormone effects on heart function, this study will examine the role of a specific long noncoding RNA in mediating heart attacks that are associated with thyroid dysfunction.

The research aims to clarify mechanistic links between noncoding RNA biology and pathological cardiac responses, with the ultimate goal of identifying RNA-based therapeutic strategies to improve heart function and reduce cardiovascular mortality. Rajagopalan’s project will employ modern molecular tools, including a modified form of CRISPR and complementary cutting-edge technologies, to manipulate and interrogate the lncRNA of interest in relevant experimental models. By using these precision approaches, the research team intends to determine whether the targeted lncRNA influences susceptibility to ischemic injury, modulates cardiac remodeling after infarction, or alters recovery of heart function in the context of thyroid hormone imbalance. The work will be conducted at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute on the Arkansas State University campus, providing an embedded environment for translational inquiry that benefits from regional relevance: cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta, heightening the potential community impact of findings that inform prevention or treatment. T

he project is designed not only to produce mechanistic insights but also to offer experiential training; medical students from NYITCOM and biological sciences students at A-State will participate directly in the research, gaining hands-on experience in advanced molecular techniques and translational cardiovascular physiology. The award supports a two-year research plan backed by $154,000 in funding from the AHA, reflecting the association’s recognition of the project’s potential to advance understanding of noncoding RNA contributions to heart disease.