Poster #087
Investigation of ADT-Induced Cardiovascular Effects in CH Mouse Models
Mentor: Meagan Echevarria, Admin Program Manager-BRI
Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is a condition in which somatically mutated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) undergo clonal expansion. TET2, a common CH mutation found in elderly and cancer patients, has been linked to an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) through heightened inflammation. Recent research suggests that prostate cancer patients with CH undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) face an elevated risk of CVD. To better understand this relationship, we will leverage an inducible Tet2 knockout (Tet2−/−) murine model to target HSCs with Poly(I:C) in castrated mice. We will first optimize the Poly(I:C) induction protocol to achieve efficient and consistent Tet2−/− in mice. Then, Tet2−/− will be confirmed through RT-PCR of peripheral blood and complete blood count. To evaluate the effects of CH with and without ADT in mice, we will assess cardiac function and organ fibrosis.