Contribution of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase to the regulation of vascular tone

Summary

This project will investigate the contribution of a novel metabolic pathway involved in the regulation of vascular tone within the fetal circulation.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Roland Stocker

Research Location

Bosch Institute (Centre for Vascular Research)

Program Type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

We have shown recently that in situation of systemic experimental inflammation, endothelial cells express the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygeanse (IDO) that converts tryptophan to kynurenine. Kynurenine itself relaxes smooth muscle cells via activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, and this can result in a decrease in blood pressure. This project investigates the role of IDO in the regulation of vascular tone in human placenta, and its potential relevance to intrauterine growth. The project requires close interaction with staff at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, from where placental material will be obtained. The work will involve vessel function studies, in combination with cellular/mechanistic studies and the integration of the experimental work with clinical outcomes. The project is suited for a scientist or a clinician.

Additional Information

• The opportunity is available primarily for prospective PhD students. Honours degree is required. Applicant is expected to apply for PhD scholarship.
• Other PhD and Honours Projects are available, or can be negotiated
• The project may be adjusted to an Honours Project

For additional information on the Stocker Laboratory and its current members, including students, see: http://www.bosch.org.au/research/Cardiovascular/VascularResearch/index.php

Keywords

Vascular homeostasis, vascular tone, Blood pressure, tryptophan, kynurenine, placenta

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 697

Other opportunities with Professor Roland Stocker

• Role of heme oxygenase-1 in tissue repair
• Understanding the molecular actions of heme oxygenase-1
• Cellular responses to adversity: oxidative stress and protection against oxidative damage in yeast
• Development of novel methods to characterize and quantify oxdiative stress in cells
• Truncated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) serves as a novel transcription factor in rat smooth muscle cells