Do tiny packages produced by platelets cause inflammation in atherosclerosis?

The role of platelet derived microvesicles in regulating the differentiation and function of foam cells

Platelets, cells that cause blood clotting, secrete tiny packages into the blood, filled with protein and other molecules. Professor Ed Rainger, at the University of Birmingham, will find out if these tiny packages can promote inflammation in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, where build-up of fatty plaques in the walls of arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes, is an inflammatory disease. Plaques are formed when monocytes (a type of immune cell) enter the vessel walls and become ‘foam cells’, cholesterol-filled macrophages. However, we do not fully understand how the inflammation in the artery wall is established or progresses. In this PhD studentship, the successful candidate will work with Professor Rainger to investigate if platelets are involved in causing atherosclerosis. The research team believe that the microvesicles secreted by platelets attract monocytes to the artery wall and promote inflammation. Professor Rainger and the student will study platelet microvesicles from the blood of healthy people and from people with atherosclerosis to see if they promote foam cell formation. They will identify the protein and other substances contained in the microvesicles. This will help identify new pathways that lead to foam cell formation and inflammatory activity in atherosclerosis.