Objective This project is designed to use the latest advances in molecular biology and neuroscience to determine the role played by the nervous mechanisms in the development of cardiovascular pathology. The project spans across distinct research fields of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury, innate cardioprotective mechanisms and fundamental neuroscience and includes newly developed transgenic mice models and latest advances in viral gene transfer technology, pharmaco- and optogenetics for selective manipulation of parasympathetic or sympathetic efferent outflows to the heart. These novel genetic models offer unprecedented resolution and specificity and will be used to determine the role played by the autonomic nervous system in modulation of the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and progression of chronic heart failure. Another important part of this study will determine the involvement of neural pathways in powerful innate mechanisms of cardioprotection underlying the (pre)conditioning phenomena. The results of the proposed experiments are expected to have an instant translational potential and may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies which recruit innate neural mechanisms of cardioprotection to limit myocardial injury and improve quality of life of individuals suffering from heart disease. RESCUE THE HEART project includes an intense program of research and training to be undertaken by the experienced researcher and will ultimately promote effective transfer of research expertise, new technologies and research philosophy across wider European research base. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicinecardiologycardiovascular diseasescardiac arrhythmiamedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 195 454,80 Address GOWER STREET WC1E 6BT London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Camden and City of London Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 195 454,80