Blocking inflammation in arteries to prevent heart disease

Prevention of CXCL12 production in cells of the cardiovascular system by IKK alpha inhibition – a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular disease? (Ms Rachel Craig)

CXCL12 is a molecule that causes inflammation and has been linked to the development of heart and circulatory diseases. Researchers are now interested in whether they can stop it working in blood vessel cells and whether this might help prevent heart attacks. Most studies on CXCL12 have focused on blocking its attachment to its main molecular partner -CXCR4. Few studies have focused on what controls CXCL12 levels in the blood vessel cells. At the University of Strathclyde, Professor Robin Plevin and his team have developed a group of drugs that lower the release of CXCL12 through another molecule called IKK-alpha. In this studentship the team will build on this discovery, by testing whether these drugs can stop CXCL12 being made in two cell types found in blood vessel walls; endothelial cells and fibroblasts. They will also look at the effect of low oxygen levels on CXCL12 in blood vessels. This will help them understand the biology behind CXCL12’s role in blood vessel inflammation. If their IKK-alpha targeting drugs are able to stop CXCL12, they can be further developed and tested as future medicines to prevent inflammation and blocking of blood vessels.