PROJECT ABSTRACT Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States with a disproportional effect on southern regions of the country. Louisiana is substantially affected by cardiovascular disease with nearly one quarter of deaths in the state attributed to it. While advances in cardiovascular treatments have been realized, many disease mechanisms remain poorly understood. It has become increasingly clear that changes in heart and vascular oxidant stress and antioxidant defenses, the so called ‘redox balance’, plays critical roles in disease initiation and propagation. However, specific disease mechanisms controlled by redox biology pathways remains poorly defined, which requires further study and research in this area. The Center for Redox Biology and Cardiovascular Disease (CRBCD) Phase 1 CoBRE at LSU Health Shreveport brought together numerous junior investigators with state-of-the-art knowledge and expertise across different departments to address redox biology molecular mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular pathophysiology. The intent of this Phase 2 proposal is to continue growth of the CRBCD CoBRE and continue recruitment of junior faculty to the program and institution to increase competitiveness of major research grant programs. Individual junior faculty primary projects have been chosen based on their relevance to the research theme, novelty of the research topic regarding redox biology and cardiovascular disease, and their potential ability to achieve independent major research funding. Cutting edge research core facilities have begun and will continue to grow to serve the needs of the CoBRE program, institution, and others across the nation. The CRBCD CoBRE has also greatly benefitted from a world class advisory committee that remains committed to continue providing input and advise throughout the Phase 2 program. Together, the proposed projects will provide advanced understanding of redox biology pathophysiology mechanisms during cardiovascular disease with support from advanced, state of the art animal models and redox molecular pathology research core facilities. Research and professional development programs are also proposed that will provide continued growth and leadership for all associated participants and trainees.

PROJECT NARRATIVE The CoBRE Center for Redox Biology and Cardiovascular Disease will provide a unique training and research environment for junior investigators to receive mentorship and guidance, while increasing their competitiveness for major research funding through national grant program opportunities. The Center will advance new insights and understanding of redox biology control of heart and vascular disease processes that may lead to new and better ways to detect or treat cardiovascular disease.