TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER
Grant: $15,900 - National Institutes of Health - May. 28, 2009
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Award Description: The overall research program has for the past decade focused on understanding molecular mechanisms regulating vascular relaxation in response to nitric oxide (NO). The rationale for this line of work is that understanding how this central vascular protective molecule works at the molecular and cellular level to regulate vascular tone will allow development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Using molecular, cellular and mouse models, the parent grant explores new targets of a critical vascular smooth muscle cell kinase that regulates relaxation, called cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase type Ia (PKGI?). Studies to date support the central hypothesis of this award: that PKGI? has a central role in the regulation of normal VSMC tone and biology via PKGI?-target protein interactions. The summer student will join a research team that is actively working on several important studies of Specific Aims 2 and 3 of the parent grant, which are ready to be pursued, but would be greatly facilitated by additional personnel and supplies. Using cells and tissues from an exciting new mutant PKGI? mouse model of vascular disease, we will investigate molecular mechanisms of PKGI? inhibition of Gq-coupled receptor-mediated [Ca+2]in mobilization (SA2) and the functional role of PKGI? targeting in intact blood vessels and animals (SA3).
Project Description: Receipt of this supplement allowed us to significantly accelerate the pace of the research on this project, which will contribute directly and immediately to our understanding of important clinical issues in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases in our society. Using cells and tissues from an exciting new mutant PKGI? mouse model of vascular disease, our summer student and the research team began investigation of molecular mechanisms of PKGI? inhibition of Gq-coupled receptor-mediated [Ca+2]in mobilization (SA2) and the functional role of PKGI? targeting in intact blood vessels and animals (SA3).
Infrastructure Description: N/A
Jobs Summary: Examine vascular relaxation and contraction in intact vascular rings ex vivo, and the response to injury of WT and PKGI? LZM mouse blood vessels using an in vivo model. Collate data and use proper statistical techniques to analyze the data. (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: More than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on May. 28, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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