How NRP1 protects our blood vessel lining

Role of neuropilin-1 in controlling endothelial cell senescence and TGF-beta signalling in atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease

The inner surface of our blood vessels is covered by a layer of cells called endothelial cells. Maintenance of this cell layer is essential for keeping the blood vessels healthy and for making new blood vessels. BHF-funded researcher Dr Claudio Raimondi is investigating how a protein called NRP1 helps to protect the endothelial layer. As we age, or in atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease, blood vessels accumulate fatty plaques in their walls and endothelial cells become ‘senescent’, where they lose the ability to divide and replace themselves. The endothelial layer begins to get damaged and the blood vessel narrows. If a narrowed blood vessel in the heart becomes blocked, for example, by a blood clot, it can cause a heart attack, while blockage of a narrowed blood vessel in the brain can cause a stroke. During his fellowship, Dr Raimondi will investigate how NRP1 regulates endothelial senescence, and whether the protein responds to the changes in flow within narrowed blood vessels. He will study NRP1 function in a mouse model of atherosclerosis and in cells taken from people with peripheral arterial disease. Ultimately, Dr Raimondi aims to find out whether NRP1 could be a new drug target to treat atherosclerosis or peripheral arterial disease.