W. David Merryman

A non-muscle α-actinin is an intrinsic component of the cardiac Z-disc and regulates sarcomere turnover, contractility, and heart remodeling

This study identifies ACTN4 as a non-muscle α-actinin in cardiac sarcomeres, showing it regulates contractility, hypertrophy, and heart remodeling without disease hallmarks.

Arteriolar degeneration and stiffness in cerebral amyloid angiopathy are linked to β-amyloid deposition and lysyl oxidase.

This study links β-amyloid deposition and lysyl oxidase to arteriolar degeneration and stiffness in cerebral amyloid angiopathy using post-mortem human brain tissue analysis.

Macrophages Promote Aortic Valve Cell Calcification Through STAT3 Splicing

This study shows that macrophages in Notch1+/- mice promote osteogenic calcification in aortic valves through STAT3 splicing changes and increased recruitment and polarization.

CADHERIN-11 BLOCKADE REDUCES INFLAMMATION DRIVEN FIBROTIC REMODELING AND IMPROVES OUTCOMES AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

This study shows that blocking CDH11 reduces inflammation-driven fibrosis and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice.

Focal adhesion kinase regulates early steps of myofibrillogenesis in cardiomyocytes

This study shows FAK regulates focal adhesion dynamics during myofibril assembly in cardiomyocytes, essential for myofibril maturation and force balance.