Site determination and application of LTBP-1, a molecule related to atherosclerosis, involved in cell migration

Abstract

The two strands of treatment available for coronary artery disease and associated pathologies are pharmaceutical and physical. However, these treatments are typically only available too late to help tackle the early underlying processes. Better understanding of the underlying processes is key to the development of preventative solutions. One of the key processes understanding coronary problems is atherosclerosis, which is when arteries lose elasticity. Associate Professor Seisuke Mimori, Department of Clinical Medicine, Chiba Institute of Science, Japan, is examining the underlying biochemistry of atherosclerosis. Professor Tetsuto Kanzaki has succeeded in cloning a protein called LTBP-1 and, under his direction, Seisuke has created a mutant of the protein and is analysing it. He intends to produce variants of LTBP-1 in order to investigate the function of various domains of the protein. This will involve firstly producing and isolating the protein and its variants in sufficient quantities. Then, he will test cell migration rates through an assay that he and the team have designed. This will enable the researchers to clarify exactly how LTBP-1 functions. In the future, Seisuke and the team will investigate the exact mechanism of action of the domains involved and explore the impact of LTBP-1 on the relevant organs and cells.