Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the developed world. Despite its prevalence, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of the disease's progression are poorly understood. The goal of this research project is to uncover novel cellular and molecular mechanism of cardiovascular disease progression to which new therapeutics can be developed. Recently, an important role for cells known as macrophages has been identified in cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, we have observed that these cells undergo cell division and this accelerates disease progression. This research project sets out to identify and understand the molecular mechanisms that regular and control macrophage division during cardiovascular disease development. In this way we may identify novel therapeutics which will halt macrophage division and as a result reverse cardiovascular disease progression.