Project 170976
Role of AT1 receptor activation in progenitor cell biology, endothelial regeneration, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and adipogenesis
Role of AT1 receptor activation in progenitor cell biology, endothelial regeneration, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and adipogenesis
Project Information
| Study Type: | Other Mechanistic_Study |
| Therapeutic Area: | Cardiology |
| Research Theme: | Biomedical |
| Disease Area: | atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, diabetes mellitus, obesity |
| Data Type: | Canadian |
Institution & Funding
| Principal Investigator(s): | Wassmann, Sven |
| Institution: | Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (Mtl) |
| CIHR Institute: | Circulatory and Respiratory Health |
| Program: | |
| Peer Review Committee: | Cardiovascular System - A: Cells and Tissues |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
| Term: | 4 yrs 0 mth |
Abstract Summary
Atherosclerotic diseases such as heart attack and stroke are the leading cause of death in the Western world. We investigate mechanisms that account for pathological changes in the vessel wall which are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. We focus on the role of the so-called angiotensin AT1 receptor, a gene that has a negative effect on the atherosclerotic process. We created mice that are prone to atherosclerosis development and lack this receptor and use this model and other techniques to investigate the relevance of AT1 receptor activation for the function of regenerating progenitor cells, the regeneration of the inner wall of the arteries after vascular injury and the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we explore the relevance of this receptor for pathological changes involved in the development of diabetes mellitus and obesity. These studies will give new insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and will possibly enable new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease.
Research Characteristics
This project includes the following research characteristics:
Study Justification
"investigate the relevance of AT1 receptor activation for the function of regenerating progenitor cells, the regeneration of the inner wall of the arteries after vascular injury and the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we explore the relevance of this receptor for pathological changes involved in the development of diabetes mellitus and obesity."
Novelty Statement
"These studies will give new insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and will possibly enable new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease."
Methodology Innovation
using AT1 receptor knockout mice and bone marrow transplantation to study the role of the AT1 receptor in atherosclerosis and metabolic disease