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The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Regulating Blood Vessel Calcification
Vascular calcification (VC) is the deposition of calcium phosphate mineral, usually as hydroxyapatite, in the arteries. Despite being a common consequence of ageing, the cellular mechanisms underpinning VC are poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles released from cells which contain numerous signalling molecules (including the calcification inhibitor, ATP). Recent work has suggested EVs may play a role in VC. This studentship will investigate whether the systemic changes that can occur during ageing (e.g. altered blood glucose, calcium or phosphate levels) modulate EV composition and release thereby contributing to the development of VC.
Disciplines and Techniques
Project supervisor/s
Dr. Isabel Orriss
Isabel’s research incorporates a number inter-related themes based around the regulation of bone cell function and vascular calcification by local signalling factors.
Royal Veterinary College
Professor Chantal Chenu
Chantal’s research integrates a range of approaches (animal models, genetic manipulation, in vitro bone cell culture models) to investigate the mechanisms by which skeletal innervation and angiogenesis regulate bone development, remodelling and repair.
Royal Veterinary College
References
Inhibition of arterial medial calcification and bone mineralisation by extracellular nucleotides:
J Cell Physiol 233:3230-3243
2018
Differing calcification processes in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and osteoblasts
Exp Cell Res 380:100-113
2019
Mechanisms and clinical consequences of vascular calcification
Front Endocrinol. (Lausanne) 3: 95.
2012
ATP and arterial calcification
Eur J Clin Invest 43: 405-12
2013
The role of purinergic signalling in the musculoskeletal system
Auton Neurosci 191:124-134
2015