How calcium sensing receptors relax blood vessels

Investigations into Calcium-sensing receptor mechanisms in the vasculature

This studentship will research how calcium sensing receptors found on the surface of cells lining the blood vessels (endothelial cells) regulate contraction and relaxation of blood vessels. The team believes that one way in which calcium sensors could regulate blood vessel tone is by stimulating the production of a molecule, nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. They have also shown that activation of other ion channels on the surface of endothelial cells, K+ channels and TRPC channels, may be involved. The student will investigate how interactions between nitric oxide, K+ channels and TRPC channels produce relaxation of vascular tone. Abnormal contraction and abnormal growth of cells lining blood vessel walls causes high blood pressure, angina, heart attack and stroke, which are diseases that have a major impact on the UK population. It is important to identify calcium sensor-mediated cellular pathways as they represent potential drug targets for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.