Grant: Operating Grant
McGill University
$433,200.00
Endothelial Cell Biomechanics: The mechanotransduction of wall shear stress gradients
FY 2011-12
Summary
The cells that line our vascular system, endothelial cells (ECs) are sensitive to changes in blood flow. There is good clinical and experimental evidence to believe that changes in these cells in regions of disturbed blood flow is an underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes. This research will identify how ECs sense and change in the presence of disturbed blood flow. We will use three dimensional EC models to investigate the role of the outer lining of the cells (glycocalyx) in responding to changes in blood flow. We will also measure structural changes (actin cytoskeleton) in the EC support system to identify if disturbed flow changes the stiffness of the cells. Using our innovative cell culture models, this research will help define the mechanisms of EC dysfunction and provide new opportunities for the treatment of strokes and heart attacks.
Department
Program
Operating Grant
Recipient
Location
Quebec, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
CIHR Funding Decisions Database
As published
Id
237855
Name
Leask Richard L
Region
Québec
Country
Canada
Orgtype
Institution Paid; Research Institution
Instname2
Circulatory and Respiratory Health
Theme2
Biomedical
Prcname2
Biomedical Engineering
Projecttitle
Endothelial Cell Biomechanics: The mechanotransduction of wall shear stress gradients
Programtype2
Operating Grants
Orgnameinp2
McGill University
Cihramount2
$433,200
Cihrequipment2
$0
Programname2
Operating Grant
Keyworddelim
Biomechanics; Cell Culture Models; Cell Stiffness; Endothelial Cell Dysfunction; F-Actin; Fluid Shear Stress; Glycocalyx; Inflammation; Leukocytes; Mechanotransduction
Abstract
The cells that line our vascular system, endothelial cells (ECs) are sensitive to changes in blood flow. There is good clinical and experimental evidence to believe that changes in these cells in regions of disturbed blood flow is an underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes. This research will identify how ECs sense and change in the presence of disturbed blood flow. We will use three dimensional EC models to investigate the role of the outer lining of the cells (glycocalyx) in responding to changes in blood flow. We will also measure structural changes (actin cytoskeleton) in the EC support system to identify if disturbed flow changes the stiffness of the cells. Using our innovative cell culture models, this research will help define the mechanisms of EC dysfunction and provide new opportunities for the treatment of strokes and heart attacks.
Competitiondate
201109
Approvedterm2
4 yrs 0 mth
Pinamesdelim
Leask, Richard L
Approvedterm
4 ans 0 mois
Cihrcontribution2
~ $433,200~ $0~
