The role of nitric oxide in vascular tip/stalk cell specification
Dr Denise McDonald and Dr Anthony Collins from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, are investigating what controls growth of new blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Damage to these intricate vessels stops oxygen reaching the retina and can lead to permanent loss of vision. The researchers want to understand how new vessels can be encouraged to grow in the oxygen-starved area to heal it. They are particularly interested in the role of a chemical, nitric oxide, which is produced by an enzyme present in endothelial cells that line blood vessel. Nitric oxide controls the activity of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor, which is responsible for the growth of new vessels. Understanding how nitric oxide appropriately guides the growth of new blood vessels is central to developing treatments to heal damaged areas of the circulation. This research will improve our knowledge of how to control new blood vessel growth to help develop a treatment that restores oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue – whether in the retina or elsewhere in the circulation.
Project details
| Grant amount | £229,355 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 16 December 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/13/62/30414 |
| Status | Complete |
