Working out how VEGFR1 regulates blood vessel growth

Mechanisms of neovascularization: Signalling from VEGFR1 to the cytoskeleton through RhoA (Ms Alba Rioja)

The study of angiogenesis – the growth of new blood vessels – is an important area of research in heart and circulatory disease. One of the key molecules that drives angiogenesis is called VEGF-A. It acts via another molecule on the surface of the cells that line blood vessels, called VEGFR2. This molecule has been extensively researched. However, blood vessel cells also display another related molecule on their surface called VEGFR1. Less is known about VEGFR1, but evidence suggests that it plays an important role as a regulator of blood vessel growth during development, by mopping up excess amounts of VEGF-A. This studentship, supervised by Professor Harry Mellor, aims to study the role of VEGFR1 in more detail. The group has already used sophisticated techniques to identify new molecules that interact with VEGFR1. They are now particularly intrigued by a molecule called RhoA, which plays a role in angiogenesis by controlling blood vessel cell shape and movement. The overall goal of their study is to understand exactly how VEGFR1 signals to RhoA in blood vessel cells and how this affects cell function. The results could reveal new ways to promote blood vessel growth in people with circulatory diseases or after a heart attack.