Objective
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a major health problem; it affects approximately three million people in Western Europe, its prevalence is increasing, adequate medical treatment is not available, and patients with advanced disease are usually unsuitable for revascularization procedures. Since CLI is characterized by inadequate tissue vascularization, much effort has been focused on strategies aimed at promoting neoangiogenesis. Emerging data suggest the clinical potential of vascular progenitor cells (PCs) to restore blood flow to the ischemic limb. Several factors have been shown to influence PC mobilization and homing to ischemic tissue. However, follow-up studies have yet to show long-term benefit. Therefore, the identification of novel molecules represents a major and clinically relevant task. One factor that mediates the cross-talk between PCs and a variety of cell types, including vascular cells, is stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), which, through interaction with its receptor CXCR4 expressed on PCs, modulates PC role in angiogenesis. A key mediator of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is Cyclophilin A (CyPA). Specifically, CyPA binds to CXCR4 and modulates SDF-1-mediated chemotactic cell migration. Further, CyPA has been shown to enhance endothelial cell (EC) proliferation as well as capillary-like structure development and migration. Importantly, our published data show that CyPA is crucial for the mobilization and recruitment of bone marrow (BM)-derived cells in the diseased aorta of ApoE-/- mice. However, CyPA role in PC function is unknown. Based on experimental evidences underlying the importance of CyPA in SDF-1/CXCR4 axis, ability to modulate EC function in vitro, and BM cell mobilization or recruitment, this proposal aims at evaluating the role of CyPA in new blood vessel development in response to ischemia. The elucidation of CyPA’s effect on PC functions may provide novel insights for the treatment of ischemic diseases and, specifically, CLI.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
20121 Milano
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.