Can microRNAs prevent complications after coronary artery stenting or bypass grafting?

Assessing the contribution of microRNA to in-stent restenosis (Dr Eilidh McGinnigle)

Patients who have life-saving surgery like a coronary artery bypass graft or a stent fitted, are unfortunately at higher risk of blood vessel blockage. To avoid this and maximise patient benefits, we need new treatments that prevent blood vessel blockage that can be given at the same time as the surgical procedure. BHF Clinical Research Training Fellowships enable talented doctors to gain research training. Professor Tomasz Guzik from the University of Glasgow has received a grant to train a clinical fellow currently working in coronary care. This clinical fellow has gained some research experience but now wants to gain research experience by completing a PhD. The hope is that this will help with cardiology registrar training, and in becoming a consultant. The student will test ‘microRNAs’ – tiny molecules which influence how our genes behave. They will find out what effect, if any, microRNAs have on cells and blood vessel walls. In particular, they will examine, in animals, if they can help to avoid blood vessel blockage after stents are fitted. This research will reveal more about how microRNAs affect blood vessels after grafts and stents are fitted. It may reveal which types of microRNAs could influence blood vessel health after surgical procedures like fitting grafts and stents.