Epigenetic regulation of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and -12 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 expression during macrophage differentiation and polarization
BHF Professor Andrew Newby has been awarded a three year grant to investigate the intricate processes that lead to plaque rupture in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits build up inside artery walls and harden, causing a plaque. If the plaque ruptures and cause a blood clot in arteries supplying the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke occurs. Ruptures are thought to be caused by increased numbers of active immune cells, but we currently do not know if any drugs can be used to combat this. The Bristol researchers will study immune cells from healthy people to find out if the DNA or proteins surrounding the DNA are changed in any way and if they cause damaging enzymes to be released from the cells into plaques. Understanding the intricacies of this process may reveal new ways to treat or even prevent plaque rupture in the future.
Project details
| Grant amount | £63,258 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 April 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/13/15/30025 |
| Status | Complete |
