The role of carboxypeptidase U in atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications.

In the first stage of the project we will extend the knowledge about assays for the measurement of CPU, i.e. the clot lysis assay and an ultrasensitive activity-based method. Next we will use these techniques to investigate the role of CPU in patients with acutemyocardial infarction. A third objective is to explore the localization of CPU in atherosclerotic plaques and thrombi. Finally, we will evaluate the role of CPU in a novel plaque rupture model. Investigating the role of CPU in atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations may open new approaches for plaque stabilising therapies and treatment of acute ischemic syndromes.

Keywords:ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, CARBOXYPEPTIDASE U

Disciplines:Biochemistry and metabolism, Systems biology, Cardiac and vascular medicine, Hematology, Laboratory medicine, Medical biochemistry and metabolism