The objective of this K01 application is to provide a 5 yr training program in vascular biology that allows the PI to acquire essential skills and knowledge to explore the mechanism(s) of endothelial dependent vascular permeability. This represents a new area of research for the PI. The Pi's scientific development will be mentored by Dr. Tanya Mayadas, a recognized leader in the field of vascular inflammation The work will be conducted in the Vascular Research Division which is led by Dr. Michael Gymboree, Chairman of Pathology, who has done pioneering work in elucidating the role of the endothelium in health and disease. The overall goal of this training is to provide the PI the necessary expertise to lead an independent academic research group in the area of vascular biology that is proposed in this application. The regulation of vascular permeability is important to elicit an efficient immune response while maintaining vascular integrity. Its dysregulation is associated with morbidity and mortality in diseases in many organs systems. In the skin, thermal injury, atopic and contact dermatitis are associated with edema which exacerbates these conditions. The goal of this project is to define mechanisms of endothelial barrier function regulated by the very recently identified exchange factor for the Rho and Rap family of GTPases, DOCK4 which directs adherens junction formation in osteosarcoma cells through activation of Rap1. Preliminary data shows robust DOCK4 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in the endothelium of normal human heart and kidney tissue. In addition, DOCK4 was regulated by endothelial barrier inducing agonists, and its deficiency resulted in changes in the actin cytoskeleton and an increase in endothelial permeability. This proposal is based on the hypothesis that DOCK4 regulation of Rap and Rac GTPases regulates junction remodeling in endothelial cells.
The aims will characterize molecular pathways that regulate DOCK4 function and elucidate its downstream targets in endothelial cells and identify the endothelial phenotypes dependent on this protein using in vitro approaches and in vivo models. Results from this work should aid in understanding how endothelial cell barrier function is regulated. We anticipate that this will provide insights into the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and tissue injury in skin disorders and rheumatic diseases and identify possible therapeutic targets for treatment of these conditions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01AR054984-04
Application #
7837736
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Program Officer
Mancini, Marie
Project Start
2007-05-14
Project End
2012-04-30
Budget Start
2010-05-01
Budget End
2011-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$129,330
Indirect Cost
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
030811269
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Mayadas, Tanya N; Cullere, Xavier; Lowell, Clifford A (2014) The multifaceted functions of neutrophils. Annu Rev Pathol 9:181-218
Venkatesh, Deepak; Ernandez, Thomas; Rosetti, Florencia et al. (2013) Endothelial TNF receptor 2 induces IRF1 transcription factor-dependent interferon-? autocrine signaling to promote monocyte recruitment. Immunity 38:1025-37
Niewczas, Monika A; Gohda, Tomohito; Skupien, Jan et al. (2012) Circulating TNF receptors 1 and 2 predict ESRD in type 2 diabetes. J Am Soc Nephrol 23:507-15
Gohda, Tomohito; Niewczas, Monika A; Ficociello, Linda H et al. (2012) Circulating TNF receptors 1 and 2 predict stage 3 CKD in type 1 diabetes. J Am Soc Nephrol 23:516-24
Tsuboi, Naotake; Ernandez, Thomas; Li, Xun et al. (2011) Regulation of human neutrophil Fc? receptor IIa by C5a receptor promotes inflammatory arthritis in mice. Arthritis Rheum 63:467-78
Li, Xun; Utomo, Ahmad; Cullere, Xavier et al. (2011) The ?-glucan receptor Dectin-1 activates the integrin Mac-1 in neutrophils via Vav protein signaling to promote Candida albicans clearance. Cell Host Microbe 10:603-15
Sehrawat, Seema; Ernandez, Thomas; Cullere, Xavier et al. (2011) AKAP9 regulation of microtubule dynamics promotes Epac1-induced endothelial barrier properties. Blood 117:708-18
Cullere, Xavier; Lauterbach, Michael; Tsuboi, Naotake et al. (2008) Neutrophil-selective CD18 silencing using RNA interference in vivo. Blood 111:3591-8
Sehrawat, Seema; Cullere, Xavier; Patel, Sunita et al. (2008) Role of Epac1, an exchange factor for Rap GTPases, in endothelial microtubule dynamics and barrier function. Mol Biol Cell 19:1261-70