The role of the GM-CSF receptor CSF2RA in inflammatory cardiovascular diseases
White blood cells called monocytes are known to play a role in blood vessel damage that can lead to heart attacks and the bursting of aneurysms (bulges within arteries). Dr Jason Johnson has previously found a type of monocytes that is important in these conditions and is switched on by a substance called granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In this fellowship, Dr Johnson is expanding on this work to see whether a molecule on the surface of monocytes (called CSF2RA) makes them behave badly, causing them to trigger tissue damage. They have already shown that CSF2RA is present in larger amounts in patients who have fatty deposits in their arteries, heart disease and aneurysms. In this research, they are using genetically engineered mice in which the CSF2RA gene has been deleted, to study whether this affects the chances of the mice developing circulatory diseases. To ensure their results will be applicable to patients, they will also collect monocytes circulating in the blood and tissue samples from patients. They hope to determine which genes are controlled by CSF2RA and to identify other molecules related to its role in disease. Armed with this knowledge, it may be possible to develop new treatments that could prevent heart attacks or aneurysm rupture, or at least find diagnostic tests that will identify people at increased risk.
Project details
| Grant amount | £1,112,407 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | Senior Basic Science Research Fellowship |
| Start Date | 01 March 2018 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Reference | FS/18/1/33234 |
| Status | In Progress |
