Investigating inflammation in blood vessel disease.

Netrin-1 and macrophage phenotype: role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis (Mr Vasco Claro)

Atherosclerosis occurs when arteries are narrowed by the build-up of fatty deposits within the vessel wall. It’s the principal cause of coronary heart disease and can lead to heart attack or, if it involves the arteries supplying blood to the brain, stroke. Research has shown that inflammation is an important part of atherosclerosis, and specifically that white blood cells called macrophages play a central role. Studies by these researchers, and others, suggest that a protein called netrin-1 can alter the progression of atherosclerosis through its effects on macrophages. Netrin-1 is known to be produced by the lining of the blood vessels in two forms. One form accelerates inflammation and the other inhibits it. Macrophages also produce netrin-1, but it is not known whether they produce only one of these forms or both; nor is it known exactly how the two forms of netrin-1 influence macrophage function. In this study the researchers will look firstly at which type or types of netrin-1 are produced by macrophages, and secondly how do they affect macrophage function. Answering these questions will in the future allow us to develop new treatments for atherosclerosis, and prevent heart attacks and strokes.