Effects of KIAA1462, a new causal CAD gene, in atherosclerosis
Professor Keith Channon and his team at the University of Oxford are working out how a new gene is involved in atherosclerosis development. Very large studies have now identified several new genes that help to increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Some are not linked with existing risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as cholesterol levels. And many are unrelated to genes already associated with atherosclerosis, which is the underlying cause of coronary heart disease. Professor Channon and the team have identified a gene called KIAA1462, which they believe could be important in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque (a build-up of cholesterol and cells in the artery wall). In this project Professor Channon will create and study mice where the KIAA1462 gene has been deleted to find out if it accelerates or reduces plaque formation in atherosclerosis. He will work out what KIAA1462 and its genetic variants do and how they control and influence cells in the blood vessel wall that are involved in atherosclerosis. Working out how specific genes lead to coronary heart disease could give us new insights into the causes of the disease and may reveal ways to treat it.
Project details
| Grant amount | £263,498 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 12 October 2015 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/15/35/31403 |
| Status | Complete |
