Can activation of AMPK in endothelial cells improve blood vessel health in people with diabetes?

Inhibition of endothelial mitogen-activated protein kinases by AMP-activated protein kinase

Dr Ian Salt and Dr Timothy Palmer at the University of Glasgow have been awarded a grant to investigate the role of a specific set of proteins in endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line blood vessels and are important in maintaining a normal functioning heart and circulatory system. Impaired endothelial cell function is more common in people with diabetes and may be due to reduced sensitivity of the endothelial cells to insulin. There is evidence to suggest that stimulating a protein called "AMPK" reduces the activation of other proteins called “MAPKs” that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and resistance to insulin action. The Glasgow team will investigate how AMPK affects MAPKs. At present, little is known about this process, and so further research into the precise function of AMPK could lead to clues about a potential new treatment for cardiovascular disease. Understanding the function and regulation of endothelial cells is central to developing new treatments for disease that arises as a result of damage to these cells.