# HuR-Wisp1 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · 2024 · $48,960

## Abstract

SUMMARY
 The development and regulation of cardiac fibrosis is influenced by the phenotypic activation of quiescent
cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to active myofibroblasts (MFs). These two distinct cell types play key roles in
maintaining the homeostasis of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and contractile functions of the heart.
Preliminary data from our lab demonstrates that HuR is necessary for CF-to-MF activation in vitro and identified
Wisp1 as a HuR-dependent gene capable of independently inducing MF activity.
 The goal of this proposal is to determine the in vivo role of HuR-Wisp1 signaling during pathological
cardiac remodeling and the potential for targeting HuR and/or Wisp1 as a means to mediate resolution of the
active MF phenotype. We hypothesize that HuR-Wisp1 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts is essential for
myofibroblast activity and promotes pathological cardiac remodeling in vivo. Aim 1 will utilize new mouse models
created by our with a CF and MF-specific deletion of HuR to determine its functional role in cardiac fibroblasts
during pathological cardiac remodeling following pressure overload. Aim 2 will then identify the functional and
mechanistic role of HuR-dependent control of Wisp1 expression on the initiation and resolution of MF activity.
 Overall, this work will enhance our understanding of the functional impact of HuR-Wisp1 signaling on
fibroblast function during pathological cardiac remodeling and guide potential future therapeutic manipulation of
HuR or HuR-dependent gene expression in cardiac remodeling.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10932895
- **Project number:** 5F31HL170636-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- **Principal Investigator:** Sharon Parkins
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $48,960
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-30 → 2025-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10932895

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10932895, HuR-Wisp1 signaling in cardiac fibroblasts (5F31HL170636-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10932895. Licensed CC0.

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