Application

Mechanosensitive genes for use as a research tool to examine the causes and molecular mechanisms that lead to rapid endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Key Benefits

• Mechanosensitive genes involved in cell proliferation and morphology are expressed by 12 hours and in inflammatory and immune responses by 48 hours following disruption of blood flow.
• Genes show significantly higher expression in mouse aortic arch and in human coronary endothelium.

Technical Summary

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty deposits accumulate on artery walls and thicken the artery thus blocking blood flow. Therefore disturbed blood flow and oscillatory shear stress often occurs as a result of atherosclerosis. Dr. Jo had previously developed a mouse model in which blood flow could be acutely disturbed through partial carotid ligation (see this related technology). This procedure leads to rapid endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the mouse. Using this mouse model and gene analysis, Dr. Jo has identified a number of novel mechanosensitive genes that are expressed following disturbed flow. These genes are involved in cell proliferation and morphology as well as in inflammatory and immune responses. The genes are available for use in studies to evaluate the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms following disturbed blood flow that lead to rapid endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Publication: Blood. 2010 Oct 14;116(15):e66-73.

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