Role of heme oxygenase-1 in tissue repair

Summary

This project will investigate the role of heme oxygenase-1 in tissue repair

Supervisor(s)

Professor Roland Stocker

Research Location

Bosch Institute (Centre for Vascular Research)

Program Type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the inducible form of heme oxygenase that degrades heme to carbon monoxide, iron and biliverdin, plays a central role of iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis.  There is mounting evidence that increased expression of HO-1 in tissues including the heart and blood vessels protects against heart disease and atherosclerotic vascular diseases.  Presently unpublished work obtained by the group suggests that this protection is in part due to enhanced repair of tissue damage.  The present project will investigate the extent to which, and the mechanism(s) by which, induction of HO-1 contributes to tissue repair relevant to cardiovascular diseases.  A major focus will be on the relationship between tissue induction of HO-1, altered iron homeostasis, and the mobilization and homing of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells involved in the repair of the injured tissue.  It is also anticipated that these studies will be extended to diabetes and the maintenance/repair of pancreatic b-cells.  The project will involve animal (e.g., mouse models of vascular disease), cellular and test tube studies, and combine molecular (e.g., HO-1 knockout mouse, siRNA) with pharmacological (e.g., novel inducers of HO-1) and biochemical studies.

Additional Information

Additional PhD projects are available.

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Keywords

atherosclerosis, Heart disease, Restenosis, in-stent restenosis, diabetes, Insulin resistance, blood vessel, re-endothelialization, angiogenesis, bone marrow, Progenitor cells, b-cells, pharmaceuticals, injury, tissue repair, oxidative stress, iron, metabolism, Cardiovascular & respiratory diseases, Cell biology, Genes in biology & medicine, Heart & circulation

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 208

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