Disrupting damaging signals that contribute to atherosclerosis

The role of diacylglycerol kinases in chemokine-mediated responses in human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophage

Most heart attacks and strokes occur because the arteries feeding the heart or brain have become clogged, a condition called atherosclerosis. During atherosclerosis, fatty material builds up in the walls of arteries. Part of this process involves invasion into the wall tissue by two types of white blood cells, called monocytes and macrophages. Chemicals called cytokines are released by the artery to attract the monocytes and transforming them into macrophages. In this project, Dr Samuel Fountain and his team are studying how cytokines communicate with those cells and what makes them leave the circulation and invade the artery wall. The team have shown that a family of molecules, called DAGKs, are involved. In this project, they will further explore the roles of DAGKs using human blood samples. By understanding the molecular pathways leading to monocyte/macrophage cell invasion, the team hope to identify a way to reduce or stop the development of atherosclerosis and therefore prevent life-threatening heart attacks and strokes.