A stem cell that promotes new blood vessel growth

Influence of NOX4 NADPH oxidase on outgrowth endothelial cell function and their ability to promote angiogenesis in tissue ischaemia

Diseases that are caused by reduced blood flow, such as heart attacks, strokes and some forms of blindness, affect millions of people each year and are major causes of ill health and death. Dr David Grieve from Queen’s University Belfast is investigating a type of stem cell that promotes growth of new blood vessels and could prevent the complications that arise from restricted blood flow. Dr Grieve has found that a particular type of stem cell called an outgrowth endothelial cell (OEC) contains high levels of an enzyme called Nox4, which is increased at low oxygen levels in the blood and regulates new blood vessel growth. The BHF has awarded him a grant to study how this enzyme, which produces chemicals known as reactive oxygen species, influences the function of OECs in mice and people, and how, in turn, these cells could be targeted to encourage new blood vessel growth.