Changes in blood vessel structure – how are neuropilins involved?

Role of neuropilins in arterial neo-intimal thickening, regenerative arteriogenesis and vascular smooth muscle cells signalling

Professor Ian Zachary and colleagues at University College London are investigating vascular smooth muscle cells, which form an important part of the blood vessel wall. These cells are usually very stable and do not grow or move – this is very important for the integrity of the vessel wall. However, during disease they can begin to divide and move. Although this can be an important response to vessel injury, it can also contribute to the disease process. The team is investigating proteins called neuropilins which are present in the circulatory system and may contribute to movement and build-up of cells in the vessel wall. They will focus on neuropilin 1, which interacts with other proteins in the circulatory system called platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and p130Cas. This interaction results in signalling in the circulatory system which causes vascular smooth muscle cells to move. Understanding the signals is important as it can contribute to dangerous thickening of the inner lining of the blood vessel. On the other hand, it is possible that the actions of neuropilin 1 could be harnessed in the area of regenerative medicine as the researchers hope to confirm whether it is important for the growth and development of new vessels. Understanding more about the control of vascular smooth muscle cells could help identify ways to develop new treatments that help maintain a normal vessel structure.