Redefining the role of monocytes in wound healing
Summary
We will redefine the role of monocytes throughout the different stages of wound healing - determining when and how they switch from transformation into a macrophage (and thus a role in inflammation) to a fibrocyte (myofibroblast-like cell) thus contributing to new tissue formation.
Supervisor(s)
Research Location
Vascular Biology Research Centre, Westmead Hospital
Program Type
PHD
Synopsis
The focus of our research is redefining the role of monocytes in wound healing (with an emphasis on vascular wounds). The aim in this project is to redefine their role in cutaneous wound healing. While traditionally monocytes are known to play a role in the inflammatory phase of wound healing, they have more recently been shown to play a role in new tissue formation by transformation into a myofibroblast like cell. We have shown that this transformation also takes place in vascular wounds such as atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia. Our aim in this project is the redefine the role of monocytes in wound healing by tracking monocyte transformation upon injury in the mac green mouse (a mouse whose monocyte/monocyte derived cells fluoresce green). This project will enable us to determine 1) to what degree a monocyte contributes to new tissue formation, 2) where monocyte transformation begins (ie blood or site of injury) and 3 what factors (local or systemic) are associated with monocyte transformation. Identifying new mechanisms for tissue formation will provide new targets for therapeutic manipulation that could modulate wound healing to reduce scar formation or limit fibrosis.
Additional Information
Techniques: This project utilises a unique animal model and some powerful technology. The mac green mouse was recently developed here in Australia. Analysis of the model will include immunofluorescent and confocal microscopy. Blood analysis will include flow cytometry, and the new multiplexed analyte assays which enables quantitation of multiple (~20-30) serum factors at the one time in small volumes of serum. The team: Our team is composed of a mix of surgeons and scientists, with students at all levels from summer work experience through to post doc. Our research focus is on wound healing with particular emphasis on vascular wounds such as atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia. Our projects varying from clinical, laboratory (eg cell culture) through to small animal - all aimed at redefining the role of monocytes in these conditions and thus identifying new pathways for therapeutic manipulation. Current projects:
- Tracking monocytes in wound healing, determining where, when and under what conditions they transform.
- Tracking monocytes in atherosclerosis determining where, when and under what conditions they transform.
- Examining the transformation of monocytes from patients with different vascular conditions to identify different factors that may promote fibrocyte formation.
- Comparing monocytes, macrophages and fibrocytes to assess their role on atherosclerotic plaque stability.
- There is also the scope with these current projects to plan PhD projects in these areas, so please inquire if these take your interest.
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Keywords
Wound healing, Trauma, injury, Monocytes, Fibrosis, inflammation, Progenitor cells, Remodeling, Infectious diseases, Pain & Trauma, Cell biology, Infection & immunity
Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 186
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