Abstract
Vascular calcification is the deposition of calcium phosphate mineral, usually as hydroxyapatite, in the arteries. Despite being a common consequence of ageing and conditions including type II diabetes, the cellular mechanisms underpinning vascular calcification are poorly understood. Exosomes are small membrane-bound particles released from cells which contain a diverse array of signalling molecules (including the calcification inhibitor, ATP). Recent work has suggested exosomes may play a role in vascular calcification. This studentship will investigate whether alterations in glucose levels that occur in diabetes can modulate exosome composition and release thereby contributing to the development of diabetes-associated vascular calcification.
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