Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Biomedical Science

First Advisor

Frank Spinale

Abstract

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is abundantly expressed in cancer associated fibroblasts and contributes to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Recent studies using imaging techniques have identified increased levels of FAP in the left ventricle (LV) of patients identified as at risk for developing heart failure. However, the role of FAP in regulated LV myocardial structure and function remains unclear. This project tested two hypotheses: First, genetic ablation of FAP would modify LV structure and function and be more pronounced with aging. Second, genetic ablation of FAP would modify LV structure and function with LV pressure overload (LVPO) accompanied by ECM remodeling.

Rights

© 2025, Amelia Marie Churillo

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