Grant: Operating Grant

Mast cells are crucially involved in the body responses to a multitude of pathogens. Recent studies demonstrate that activated mast cells are involved in the progression and subsequent detachment of atherosclerotic plaque. We have recently shown that mast cell derived chymase generates endothelin-1 (ET-1), a pro-atherogenic peptide. The present project will firstly identify the contribution of mast-cell dependent production of ET-1 in an established mouse model of atherosclerosis via several molecular, biochemical and whole animal approaches. We suggest that the present project may lay novel foundations of an efficient approach to reduce atherosclerotic progression and plaque instability.