The candidate, Ashley Walker Ph.D., is a vascular physiologist in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. Dr. Walker's research focuses on the mechanisms mediating arterial aging with a specific focus on cerebral artery function. Her long term goal is to direct an independent extramurally- funded research laboratory who can integratively study vascular aging at the gene, cellular, tissue and systemic (whole-body) levels. The proposed K01 award will provide Dr. Walker with the necessary protected time for career development to achieve this goal. Career Development Plan. This award will support the further career development of Dr. Walker, allowing her to complete a well-rounded training plan in aging, vascular biology, and genetics. The career development plan will follow several separate but coordinated efforts to enhance the expertise of the applicant including training in new experimental techniques related to endothelial function and telomere biology; didactic course work designed to facilitate a better understanding of molecular genetics, biostatistics and gerontology; and attendance at regular aging, cardiovascular, and molecular medicine seminar series as well as other formal meetings within the university and nationally. Environment. The University of Utah is an ideal environment for Dr. Walker's career devolvement. This environment will allow for collaboration with renowned experts in aging, endothelial biology, and genetics, as well as opportunities for formal and informal training in areas related to vascular aging and general career development. Research.
The aim of the research project is to examine novel mechanisms underlying impaired cerebral artery function with aging. We hypothesize that age-related increases in arterial stiffness lead to telomere dysfunction in the endothelial cells of cerebral resistance arteries. We further hypothesize that this telomere dysfunction, characterized by telomere uncapping, stimulates cell senescence and increased inflammatory signaling, ultimately resulting in endothelial dysfunction. We will address these hypotheses by studying animal and endothelial cell culture models of aging, isolated large artery stiffening, and endothelial cell telomere uncapping. The knowledge gained from the results of these studies could identify novel pharmaceutical targets for the prevention/treatment of age-related cerebral artery dysfunction. This is a worthwhile and relevant goal given the prevalence of cerebrovascular disease among older adults and the associated morbidity, mortality, and health care burden.

Public Health Relevance

Advancing age is a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke. The aim of the proposed project is to determine the mechanisms leading to age-related cerebral artery endothelial dysfunction. Specifically, we will examine the roles of large artery stiffness and telomere dysfunction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01AG046326-03
Application #
8968793
Study Section
Neuroscience of Aging Review Committee (NIA)
Program Officer
Kohanski, Ronald A
Project Start
2013-12-01
Project End
2018-11-30
Budget Start
2015-12-01
Budget End
2016-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112
Lesniewski, Lisa A; Seals, Douglas R; Walker, Ashley E et al. (2017) Dietary rapamycin supplementation reverses age-related vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress, while modulating nutrient-sensing, cell cycle, and senescence pathways. Aging Cell 16:17-26
Machin, Daniel R; Leary, Miriam E; He, Yuxia et al. (2016) Ultrasound Assessment of Flow-Mediated Dilation of the Brachial and Superficial Femoral Arteries in Rats. J Vis Exp :
Walker, Ashley E; Morgan, R Garrett; Ives, Stephen J et al. (2016) Age-related arterial telomere uncapping and senescence is greater in women compared with men. Exp Gerontol 73:65-71
Frech, Tracy; Walker, Ashley E; Barrett-O'Keefe, Zachary et al. (2015) Systemic sclerosis induces pronounced peripheral vascular dysfunction characterized by blunted peripheral vasoreactivity and endothelial dysfunction. Clin Rheumatol 34:905-13
Walker, Ashley E; Henson, Grant D; Reihl, Kelly D et al. (2015) Greater impairments in cerebral artery compared with skeletal muscle feed artery endothelial function in a mouse model of increased large artery stiffness. J Physiol 593:1931-43
Donato, Anthony J; Morgan, R Garrett; Walker, Ashley E et al. (2015) Cellular and molecular biology of aging endothelial cells. J Mol Cell Cardiol 89:122-35
Walker, Ashley E; Henson, Grant D; Reihl, Kelly D et al. (2014) Beneficial effects of lifelong caloric restriction on endothelial function are greater in conduit arteries compared to cerebral resistance arteries. Age (Dordr) 36:559-69
Morgan, R Garrett; Ives, Stephen J; Walker, Ashley E et al. (2014) Role of arterial telomere dysfunction in hypertension: relative contributions of telomere shortening and telomere uncapping. J Hypertens 32:1293-9
Ives, S J; Andtbacka, R H I; Park, S-Y et al. (2012) Human skeletal muscle feed arteries: evidence of regulatory potential. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 206:135-41