This project aims to study the effect of the stiffening of ageing arteries on endothelial cells. It explores the changes that occur in endothelial cells using a unique microfluidic technology with tuneable wall stiffness to mimic the biophysical and biochemical properties of ageing arteries.
The expected outcome is the identification of the cellular mechanisms that control endothelial responses to arterial stiffening. This should provide the fundamental knowledge required to assist in the development of new therapies to tackle age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and dementia.