Endothelial cell signalling, Nuclear factor kappa B.

Atherosclerosis is driven by inflammation and damage to the endothelium.  Recent studies have shown that cancer treatment has been shown to causes atherosclerosis but the mechanisms have not been addressed.  Recently we have shown that Radiotherapy and anti- cancer drugs can cause damage to the endothelium and stimulate key pathways involved in inflammation. In this project we will investigate the effect of the JNK pathway in the effects of these interventions on endothelial cells

The student will measure signalling events in endothelial cells and determine which pathways regulate the effect of anticancer drugs and radiation on apoptosis, cell cycle and clonogenic growth.  We will use siRNA and other approaches to investigate the role of JNK isoforms in regulating these responses.

Taken together this project will provide novel insight into mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis the role of inflammation and JNK.  This may allow for targeted therapies.  

cell culture, siRNA, Western blotting, FACs, Imaging.

Muslin, A. J. (2008) ‘MAPK Signaling in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets', Clin Sci, 115(7), pp. 203-218.

Sumara, G., Belwal, M. and Ricci, R. (2005) ‘"Jnking" atherosclerosis.', Cell Mol Life Sci, 62(21), pp. 2487-94.