Periodic Reporting for period 4 - AXIAL.EC (PRINCIPLES OF AXIAL POLARITY-DRIVEN VASCULAR PATTERNING)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-03-01 bis 2022-02-28
AXIAL.EC project aims at investigating how this newly discovered vascular plasticity is regulated and its relationship to vascular malformations. Vascular malformations include arteriovenous malformations, low-flow venous malformations, cavernous malformations, and aneurysms, are all vascular anomalies that arise from maladaptive connectivity of vascular networks. Vascular malformations have a great impact on human health, but so far have very poorly defined etiologies.
AXIAL.EC integrative approach, based on high-resolution imaging and unique experimental models, will provide a unifying model defining the cellular and molecular principles involved in vascular adaptation and maladaptation in the context of vascular malformations. Identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to formation, development, and regression of vascular malformations could lead to new clinical treatments.
AXIAL.EC project aims at investigating how this newly discovered vascular plasticity is regulated and its relationship to vascular malformations. Vascular malformations include arteriovenous malformations, low-flow venous malformations, cavernous malformations, and aneurysms, are all vascular anomalies that arise from maladaptive connectivity of vascular networks.
Vascular malformations have a great impact on human health, but so far have very poorly defined etiologies. Identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to formation, development, and regression of vascular malformations could lead to new clinical treatments.
AXIAL.EC project aims at understanding the dynamic behaviour of endothelial cells during vascular adaptation and maladaptation; controlling and restoring vascular adaptation by regulating flow-mediated polarisation of endothelial cells; identifying novel regulators of flow-dependent endothelial cell polarisation.
We deposited one patent, protecting the mouse tool generated within this work, and we are in the process of submitting a second patent protecting a novel microfluidic device enabling high-throughput screenings under high-shear conditions.
Engagement with the society and scientific communities was regularly maintained, either through conferences, site visits, webinars, engagement with schools, and interviews for newspaper or TV channels.