Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Wound healing is a complex process which involves interaction between cell surface molecules, the extracellular matrix and regulation of cell signalling and cell migration. There are 4 key phases in the healing process; haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and scar formation and remodelling. In order to rebuild the damaged tissue there needs to be an adequate blood supply to provide necessary oxygen and nutrients to the wound, making angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) of particular importance to the healing process. We have generated a chimeric protein made up of domains of the extracellular matrix protein vitronectin (VN) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which stimulates skin cell proliferation and migration, two key aspects of wound healing. bFGF has been regarded for many years as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, and for this reason we believe the VN:bFGF chimera may also stimulate angiogenesis to accelerate wound healing.
Hypothesis: That a VN:bFGF chimera can act as a potent stimulator of endothelial cell proliferation and migration to produce new blood vessels within the healing wound.
Aim 1: Test the potency of the VN:bFGF chimera to induce endothelial cell proliferation
Aim 2: Asses the effect of the VN:bFGF chimera on endothelial cell migration
Aim 3: Examine the ability of endothelial cell cultures to form blood vessel-like sprouts
in response to the VN:bFGF chimera
Methods and techniques that will be developed in the course of this project:
- Recombinant protein production and purification
- Cell culture (endothelial cells)
- Cell proliferation and migration assays
- Cell sprouting angiogenesis assays
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisor.
Dr Derek Van Lonkhuyzen
Professor Zee Upton
