Understanding how pericytes drive new blood vessel growth

Investigation of a novel proangiogenic mechanism centred on miR-532, BACH1, angiopoietin-1 and Notch/Dll4 in human pericytes

Pericytes are cells that surround blood vessels and play an important role in the growth of new blood vessels (known as angiogenesis). When there is a reduction in blood supply (ischemia), the growth of new blood vessels limits the damage caused by providing an alternative delivery route for vital oxygen and nutrients. A restriction in blood supply can happen when blood vessels narrow or are obstructed. This can sometimes occur in the lower limbs of diabetic patients and, if new blood vessels are not formed in response, the limb can be damaged and can result in amputation. It is not fully understood how pericytes promote angiogenesis, but it is known that pericytes produce a particular molecule called angiopoietin-1, which is important in the process. Professor Paolo Madeddu and colleagues have already discovered that angiopoietin-1 expression is regulated by two factors, called miR-53 and BACH1. In this project, Professor Madeddu will further investigate the function and interaction of these molecules in pericytes isolated from people. He will also investigate whether miR53 treatment can restore the blood supply by promoting the formation of new blood vessels in mice. If successful, this project could pave the way toward new treatments to restore blood supply for with poor circulation in the lower limbs but also in the heart of patients after a heart attack.