My long-term objective is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) development and differentiation in the zebrafish. Smooth muscle proliferation is thought to play a major role in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis that occurs in patients treated by angioplasty. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms of VSMC recruitment and differentiation is critical for designing safe and effective therapeutic strategies to treat these conditions. However, very little is known regarding the origin of VSMC and their proliferation. This is, at least in part, the result of the difficulties associated with experimental and genetic analysis of this early differentiating, essential tissue in most vertebrate organisms. The genetic tractability of the zebrafish, combined with the optical clarity and experimental accessibility of its embryos makes this an ideal organism for these studies. The specific goals of this proposal are to (1) characterize the developmental progression of VSMC acquisition in wild type and mutant zebrafish and (2) to develop transgenic tools for experimental analysis of VSMC formation and differentiation. It is our hope that our studies will lead to a better understanding of vascular smooth muscle recruitment and differentiation and eventually to the development of better therapeutic strategies to treat atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
National Research Service Awards for Senior Fellows (F33)
Project #
5F33HL010420-02
Application #
6402745
Study Section
Cell Development and Function Integrated Review Group (CDF)
Program Officer
Schucker, Beth
Project Start
2001-08-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-08-01
Budget End
2002-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$48,412
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Institute/Child Health/Human Dev
Department
Type
DUNS #
623972390
City
Bethesda
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
20892