College of Medicine scholar receives American Heart Association research fellowship

Bhuvaneshwaran Subramanian, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Medical Physiology at the Texas A&M University College of Medicine in the lab of Mariappan Muthuchamy, PhD, has been awarded a research fellowship from the American Heart Association. His award enables him to investigate the lymphatic dysfunction linked to the associated cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients and explore the therapeutic potential for improving lymphatic function in these patients.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death worldwide. Recent estimates indicate that CVDs cause 17.9 million deaths each year. Cardiovascular diseases include stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Since its establishment in 1924, the American Heart Association has had a major impact on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease by investing more than $5 billion in research funding.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders, affecting approximately 6 in every 100,000 individuals in Europe and North America. The condition is caused by a mutation or absence of dystrophin, a protein essential for the structural integrity of skeletal and heart muscles. Dystrophin helps muscles remain strong and stable during movement. Without it, muscle cells are damaged, and muscle tissues become leaky, leading to the accumulation of harmful components between muscle fibers resulting in chronic inflammation.

Individuals with DMD suffer from long-term inflammation and eventually face premature death, often due to heart failure from a condition known as cardiomyopathy. To date, there has been no effective treatment for DMD-related heart disease.

New research, however, offers hope. The human body has small vessels known as lymphatic vessels, which help manage inflammation and tissue repair. Studies have shown that dysfunction in these vessels is common in various heart diseases, including cardiomyopathy. These vessels are crucial in maintaining cardiac function and resolving inflammation.

Dr. Subramanian will explore the role of lymphatic dysfunction in DMD-related cardiomyopathy. The research aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies for improving lymphatic function in DMD patients, providing a promising path toward better heart disease treatments for those with the condition.

“The American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship will provide me with the resources to explore comprehensive therapeutic strategies for preventing DMD-associated cardiomyopathy,” said Subramanian. “This opportunity will not only help me establish myself as an independent researcher but also allow me to expand my expertise in molecular therapeutics,” Subramanian continued. “Through career development activities and skill-building opportunities, this fellowship will strengthen my ability to lead and enhance my research capabilities, positioning me for success as an independent investigator.”