Abstract
As the world's aged population grows considerably, a parallel increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is expected. Therefore, further research to determine preventive strategies and their underlying molecular mechanisms is greatly needed in order to reduce the health care burden of CVD. The recent discovery of a possible role of calciprotein particles (CPPs), which are blood-borne protein-mineral complexes, as facilitators of CVD established a new and promising field of research. Indeed, CPPs have been associated with atherosclerosis and the incidence of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction. However, insightful studies on the underlying mechanisms are lacking. Our preliminary data indicate that primary CPPs (CPP1) increase arterial stiffness and induce overall vascular cell dysfunction. Therefore, in this research project, we aim to address the role of CPP1 in CVD by unravelling its underlying mechanisms. In order to do so, we will investigate the effect of CPP1 on CVD-related signalling pathways in vascular cells (WP1), arterial stiffness and vascular calcification (WP2) as well as its role in the progression of atherosclerosis (WP3 & WP4). In conclusion, this research project aims to deepen our understanding of CPPs' impact, particularly CPP1, on the cardiovascular system, paving the way for innovative anti-ageing therapies and contributes to the development of targeted interventions for age-related cardiovascular diseases.
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