FGF workshop Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the aim of the experiment regarding fibroblast growth factor (FGF)?
Determine the effect of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on expression of cyclin D1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)
What treatment was used in the experiment?
20 ng/mL fibroblast growth factor (FGF) for 72 hours
What analysis technique was employed in the experimental design?
Western blot for cyclin D1
How many times was the experiment repeated?
Four times (n = 4)
What condition is being addressed in the study?
Coronary Heart Disease
What is a major cause of coronary heart disease mentioned in the text?
Blockage of coronary blood vessels by an atherosclerotic plaque
List some symptoms or risks associated with coronary heart disease.
- Angina - chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Myocardial infarction – heart attack
- Heart failure – too weak to pump blood properly
What is restenosis?
VSMC migrate to the intima and proliferate, which narrows the coronary artery in approximately 30% of patients following angioplasty
What procedure is used to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries?
Angioplasty
What is the role of VSMCs in restenosis following angioplasty?
VSMC proliferation leads to restenosis
What can be monitored to assess patient outcomes after angioplasty?
Heart function can be monitored via serum biomarkers (e.g., B-type or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP))
What are cadherins?
Cell adhesion molecules that regulate VSMC proliferation
What happens to cadherin expression in VSMCs during restenosis?
Loss of cadherin expression
True or False: VSMCs in healthy blood vessels express high levels of N-cadherin.
True
What is the relationship between cadherins and beta-catenin?
Cadherins bind β-catenin, linking it to the actin cytoskeleton
What does the study hypothesize about β-catenin/TCF signaling?
It may induce proliferation in VSMCs by regulating cell cycle genes
What is the role of cyclin D1 in the cell cycle?
Cyclin D1 promotes cell cycle progression
What experimental tool is used to inhibit β-catenin signaling?
ICAT - endogenous inhibitor of β-catenin signaling
How does ICAT function?
ICAT binds β-catenin and prevents its translocation to the nucleus
Where can human VSMCs be collected for experimental purposes?
During bypass surgery from patient vein samples
