Endothelial cells (EC) regulate critical vascular functions, such as the traffic of cells from blood to tissues, the formation of blood clots, permeability and vascular tone. Maintenance of endothelial homeostasis is essential for the prevention and control of many diseases, including atherosclerosis. A number of stimuli (high LDL-cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, viruses) cause loss of the homeostatic balance and chronic activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Many pathways regulate these processes. We are interested in understanding how EC maintain homeostasis through the regulation of gene expression. In particular we are studying the role of ETS transcription factors and of the ETS related gene Erg. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we investigate the role of Erg in endothelial homeostasis, inflammation and angiogenesis. We aim to demonstrate that Erg is a master regulator of endothelial homeostasis, and therefore may represent a promising novel therapeutic target for the prevention of CV disease.
We are also interested in translating our endothelial research in patients; for this reason we have developed a translational approach, by isolating Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) from blood. EPC are bone marrow-derived stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into mature endothelial cells, thus contributing to postnatal vasculogenesis and endothelial repair at sites of endothelial cell damage. The potential for EPCs as biomarkers of vascular injury and also as therapeutic tools in man is currently being explored in several ways.