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SmArt - a Marie Curie Initial Training Network on Small Artery Remodelling

 

info@smallartery.eu


 


Facts

Small arteries
Small arteries and arterioles form the part of the systemic circulation that exerts significant resistance to perfusion. It has become evident that physiological, pharmacological, structural and molecular properties of these vessels deviate substantially from those of the main arteries.

Small artery remodelling
The structure of small arteries is not constant throughout life. Rather, these vessels have a remarkable potential to rearrange their matrix and cells, and adapt to a changing environment. This adaptation of the vasculature depends on both the communication between its cellular components and their interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). When subjected to elevated pressure or changed shear stress patterns, blood vessels undergo typical transformations in wall shape that are always associated with alterations of the ECM and cellular composition, collectively referred to as vascular remodelling. Specifically, the remodelling of small arteries and arterioles leads to extreme changes in their size and function (microvascular remodelling).
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Major factors influencing small artery remodelling

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;
1) signalling mechanisms in endothelia and smooth muscle cells,
2) structural and functional rearrangements in the vessel wall,
3) 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 remodelling

For further presentation of all partners see partners