Crystal is a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, an LSAMP participant, a Meyerhoff Scholar, and an HHMI Scholar. Her research, "IL-1β-VEGF-A Signaling Axis In Atherosclerotic Calcification" will be presented as part of at Virtual URCAD 2020!
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is characterized by lipid and calcium deposition and inflammation in blood vessels. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL -1β contributes to inflammation that is characteristic of atherosclerosis. Previous research on signal transducers RAC1 and RAC2 demonstrated that RAC2 knockout mice had increased RAC1 activity, resulting in increased levels of IL-1β and calcification. These studies also focused on studying the growth factor VEGF-A, which promotes blood vessel formation. Preliminary data suggests the promoter region of the gene encoding VEGF-A is activated by IL-1β signaling. The goal of this study is to assess the relationship between VEGF-A, IL-1β, and atherosclerotic calcification. Our hypothesis is that increased levels of IL-1β associated with increased VEGF-A expression and calcification. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the levels of IL-1β and VEGF-A in blood serum samples from the mice. Macrophage knockdown of IL-1β expression in ApOE mice led to reduced VEGF-A expression and atherosclerotic calcification. These results were validated by comparing levels of IL-1β, VEGF-A, and calcification in human subjects. Future studies are underway to demonstrate that VEGF-A causes calcification, using knockdown of VEGF-A expression. By understanding the relationship between IL-1β, VEGF-A, and atherosclerotic calcification, therapeutic strategies can be developed to combat atherosclerosis.
Mentor: Alan Morrison, Brown University
Come see Crystal's poster, and other undergraduate research and creative work, April 22-29th at URCAD.umbc.edu!