Studying the growth and movement of blood vessel smooth-muscle cells

G protein-coupled receptor kinase- and arrestin-dependent mechanisms controlling cell migratory and proliferative responses of arterial smooth muscle

Dr John Willets and Professor John Challiss from the University of Leicester have been awarded a 2-year grant to study the behaviour of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC’s), which form an important part of the structure and function of the blood vessel wall. VSMC’s are usually very stable and do not grow or move – this is very important for the integrity of the vessel wall. However, during diseases, like atherosclerosis, they can begin to divide and move. Although this can be an important response to vessel injury, it can also play a part in heart and circulatory disease by contributing to the development of dangerous plaques in arteries. Dr Willets and Prof Challiss will investigate molecules in the circulatory system that may stimulate the growth and movement of the VSMC’s. They will look at molecules such as angiotensin II and endothelin which attach to particular parts of the VSMC (called receptors) to control their activity. Two molecules which bind to receptors which may be important in this attraction are proteins called GRK and arrestin. The researchers want to understand more about this interplay in the circulation so that they can prevent the growth and movement of the muscle cells.