Understanding how a protein called CXCL2 promotes the growth of new blood vessels

The CXCL2 chemokine promotes VEGF-A-regulated angiogenesis

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty deposits (plaques) inside the arteries. The blood vessels become narrowed, restricting blood flow to organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of heart attacks and strokes – when the blood supply to part of the heart or brain is blocked. An attractive strategy to restore or improve the blood supply to the affected tissue is to stimulate a biological process called angiogenesis. This is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Endothelial cells are the cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels and they play a fundamental role in angiogenesis. Dr Sreenivasan Ponnambalam at the University of Leeds has shown that in endothelial cells, a protein called VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) stimulates angiogenesis by increasing the production of another protein – a chemokine called CXCL2 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2). Dr Ponnambalam will now investigate precisely how VEGF A and CXCL2 work together in human endothelial cells and in mice, to promote the growth of new blood vessels. Other chemokine proteins will also be assessed to see if they too stimulate angiogenesis. The researchers hope to use this new information to develop chemokine-targeting drugs that can trigger angiogenesis and restore blood supply in people with blocked arteries.