A comprehensive study to uncover and understand genetic influences on vascular smooth muscle cell behaviour in relation to cardiovascular diseases (renewal)
Genetic variations are the differences in DNA among individuals. These differences mean that some people are more likely than others to develop heart and circulatory disease. There is evidence to suggest that some specific genetic variations (variants) can cause heart and circulatory disease by affecting the function and behaviour of a group of cells called vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), found in the wall of blood vessels. VSMCs play a central role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis – the build-up of fatty material in the walls of arteries. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of numerous heart and circulatory diseases and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Professor Shu Ye at the University of Leicester is looking to understand the biology that underpins the relationship between genetics, VSMC behaviour, and heart and circulatory disease. Professor Ye and his team will analyse VSMCs from 2000 people to systematically identify genes/genetic variants that affect the behaviour of the cells. They will then confirm that the variant identified really are responsible for changes in cell behaviour by changing the activation levels of the genes of interest in VSMCs and measuring the changes in behaviour. This research will advance our understanding of genetic influences on heart and circulatory diseases and could help identify biological targets for development of new treatments.
Project details
| Grant amount | £622,164 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Chairs & Programme Grants |
| Application type | Programme Grant |
| Start Date | 01 January 1900 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | RG/19/9/34655 |
| Status | In Progress |
