How important are old cells in fatty plaques?

Assessment and effects of cell senescence in vascular disease

BHF Professor Martin Bennett and his team at the University of Cambridge are studying the processes that cause atherosclerosis, where blood vessels fur up with fatty plaques and narrow. This means less blood can reach the body’s tissues, or blood clots can block the narrowed artery, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. As we age, we are more likely to develop atherosclerosis. Within plaques there are several types of ‘aged’ cells which have undergone senescence – where they stop dividing and growing, but do not die. In plaques that have been in the vessel for a long time, these cells are particularly prominent. Senescence may happen because cells have stopped dividing, and they are under a variety of cellular ‘stresses’. But we don’t yet understand why it happens, how frequently, and if it is important in atherosclerosis development and progression. In this project, Professor Bennett will work out what types of cells undergo senescence within human and mouse plaques. He’ll work out what these cells do to the plaques, and if preventing or removing these senescent cells makes a difference to how the plaques develop and mature. He’ll also work out how the senescent cells communicate with each other. By understanding more about cell senescence in atherosclerosis, this research may reveal new ways to treat it and prevent heart attacks and strokes.