The Effect of Arterial Stiffness on The Phenotypic and Functional Heterogeneity of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Extracellular matrix protein synthesis by vascular smooth muscle cells in stiff environments.

Uncover the profound impact of biomechanical forces on vascular cells! 

Project description

Cardiovascular disease stands as a leading cause of death, where arterial stiffening emerges as a risk factor during atherogenesis and vascular injury. In this context, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) undergo a transition from contractile to synthetic phenotypes, migrating, proliferating, and contributing to neointimal and atherosclerotic plaque formation, alongside local inflammation. Recent studies using mouse models of vascular injury and atherosclerosis suggest that only a subset of VSMCs drives neointimal and atherosclerotic plaque formation, indicating heterogeneity among VSMCs in various pathophysiological states. This proposal aims to assess the impact of arterial stiffness on VSMC heterogeneity, encompassing changes in phenotype, morphology, cell proliferation, and cell motility.

The outcomes will reveal: (1) the misinterpretation of the predominant paradigm on VSMC phenotypic switching in arteries based on average data, and (2) how individual VSMCs respond uniquely to matrix stiffening, essential for a fundamental understanding of CVD progression. 

Project outcome

Students will develop critical thinking skills and gain exposure to the scientific method by learning experimental techniques such as immunoblotting, immunostaining, RT-qPCR, microscopy, and image analysis. They will interpret their own data on VSMC phenotype, morphology, cell proliferation, and motility in response to matrix stiffening, and explore the unique responses of individual VSMCs to understand implications for cardiovascular disease progression. Additionally, students will engage in effective oral and written communication while collaborating with their research mentor and lab members. They will also have opportunities to present their work at local and international conferences and contribute to research articles. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Year-long (10-12 months) 
Start time Anytime 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (can only function with in-person engagement) 
Level of collaboration Individual student or Small group project 
Benefits Academic credit
Stipend 
Who is eligible Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors with knowledge of cell culture, molecular biology techniques, microscopy.

Project mentor

Yongho Bae

Assistant Professor

Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

955 Main Street, Room 4262

Phone: (716) 829-3523

Email: yonghoba@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

- Reading research and review articles.
- Watching relevant videos (seminars). 

Keywords

Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Mechanobiology