Cystathionine Gamma Lyase (CSE) and Hydrogen Sulfide Regulation of Vascular Aging

PROJECT ABSTRACT Aging is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Altered molecular signaling in age-related markers leads to increased ROS, ER stress, autophagy defects, endothelial dysfunction and subsequently, impaired vascular remodeling. However, the regulatory mechanisms, and the role of CSE/H2S signaling in vascular remodeling and associated functions in aging are unknown. The current proposal will reveal novel information regarding CSE/H2S regulation on endothelial function and aging vasculature by investigating the hypothesis that endothelial-cell CSE deficiency in aging, and subsequently reduced H2S/NO bioavailability impairs vascular remodeling. This hypothesis will be examined by two specific aims that 1. identify the molecular mechanisms of reduced CSE/H2S deficiency in aging and 2. determine reduced endothelial CSE/H2S effects on age-associated vascular dysfunction. The goal of this proposal is to generate preliminary data towards at least two high impact peer-reviewed manuscript and submit my R01 by end of 2024.