Small Artery Remodelling (SmArt)

Basic data for this project

Description

This interdisciplinary ITN will promote excellence in vascular biology, with a focus on small vessels/arteries and their extracellular matrix. The academic/industrial partnership will provide a specialized training environment by connecting investigations of the biology of vascular cells and their surrounding ECM in an innovative manner. The work plan consists of 8 work packages (WP) structured  around three key areas: signalling mechanisms in endothelia and smooth muscle cells, structural and functional rearrangements in the vessel wall, role of recruited cells in remodelling. WP 1. Cell-matrix interactions under mechanical load: effects on endothelial gene expression and intercellular communication. WP 2. Endothelial and progenitor/inflammatory cell response to shear stress and ECM modifications: role of integrins WP 3. Pressure and shear stress-induced microvascular remodelling mechanisms: role of ROS WP 4. Roles of laminin isoforms in mechanotransduction in endothelium and smooth muscle WP 5. Effects of pressure, flow and smooth muscle tone on smooth muscle differentiation and growth: role of actin polymerization and membrane microdomains. WP 6. Cross-linking of the collagen matrix: role of transglutaminases WP 7. Role of vascular cell ion channels for vascular tone and remodelling WP 8. Role of monocytes/macrophages in vessel wall extracellular matrix in remodellingCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the European population and represent a great burden of suffering and costs. Their complex etiology originates from different pathological stimuli and involves different cell types,