New ways to keep blood vessels open

Non-coding RNA in vascular pathophysiology (renewal)

Patients with heart disease have damaged blood vessels, which may eventually lead to the vessels becoming blocked. This can become apparent for the patient through symptoms such as chest pain. Patients can undergo surgery to bypass or repair the blocked vessel by inserting a stent. However, there is a danger that gradually over time the vessel may narrow or close again. This is partly due to a natural response of the body to regrow or rearrange blood vessels in the area – a process called ‘vascular remodelling’. Little is really known about remodelling and how it occurs or what drives it. BHF Professor Andrew Baker and his team based at the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre have been awarded nearly £1.5million over 5 years to uncover what happens during vascular remodelling. The team know that much of the remodelling process is controlled by our DNA – some parts are switched on, others turned off, and this in turn leads to the growth of new vessels. This activation of some parts of DNA can also lead to the activation of other types of genetic material called RNA. The researchers will look at the importance of this RNA in individual cells and animals to define its role in vascular remodelling. Understanding what action it may have on injured blocked vessels should help identify new targets for treatment alongside established surgical approaches to improve the outcome for patients. .