Dysregulation of Neuronal Guidance Cue Netrin-1 in Accelerated AAA

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Dr. Bhama Ramkhelawon nourishes 2 career goals during this award. An immediate goal to gain knowledge into the expression of the neuronal guidance cue, Netrin-1 in macrophage-elicited inflammation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) and a long-term career goal to become an independent investigator capable of leading research and ascribe a possible role Netrin-1 as a novel target for development of therapies to curb the burden of AAA. AAA is characterized by a focal dilation of the aortic diameter >30 mm located in the infrarenal section of the aorta. Roughly 25,000 AAA repairs are performed each year, and despite progress in primary preventive measures, AAA still accounts for > 13,000 deaths annually in the United States. Previous histological studies have revealed that transmural inflammation is manifested by the presence of monocytes/macrophages. This inflammation is associated with the proteolytic destruction of the aortic wall through the degradation of elastin and collagen by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Numerous studies have profoundly explored the mechanisms related to the proteolitic disruption of the blood vessel. To better appreciate preventive therapeutic strategies, it is crucial to understand the broad spectrum of the physiopathology. Since Mø have important roles in both the induction and resolution of inflammation, I hypothesize that in addition to signals directing their recruitment to the focal site of aortic dilation, other cues are expressed to orient the advanced avenues related to the laminal destructive capacity of these cells. We have recently demonstrated a critical role for the neuronal guidance cue, Netrin-1 in promoting atherosclerosis by blocking their chemotaxis to exit signals such as CCL-19. Interestingly, my preliminary data show that the signals (IL-6 and TNfa) that direct Mø recruitment can also induce the expression of retention cues such as Netrin-1 in both mice and clinical human AAA specimens. We propose another innovative role for Netrin-1 in orchestrating AAA-induced inflammation in a non-lipidemic environment. In this grant, we will use novel mouse models of tissue-specific or conditional deletion of Netrin-1 to determine how this guidance cue alters the dynamic regulation of Mø into AAA sites, and direct their polarization. During the mentored research phase (K99), I will complete my ongoing research projects under Dr. Moore’s supervision at New York University Langone Medical Center. I will gain expertise in important aspects of Mø elicited inflammation in AAA in her laboratory. I will take the opportunity of all the facilities available at the research center to perform key experiments required to study AAA and hence specialize myself in this field. Dr. Moore will serve as Primary Mentor and oversee all aspects of my transition to become an Independent Researcher. Together we have elaborated a career development plan, which encompasses guidance in project progress, manuscript and grant writing, animal breeding, congress attendance and to perform training in the responsible conduct of research. In addition, a team of four Co-Mentors will provide me with complementary research guidance and help which will greatly enhance and diversify my research skill set. Together, the team of Mentors has pledged to guide me to extend my research interests and approaches, and to ensure a successful transition to an independent researcher. During the independent phase (R00) of this award, I will test the therapeutic avenues of silencing Netrin-1 by using nanoparticles encapsulating siRNA in the AAA mouse model. We expect to successfully dampen Mø inflammation associated with vessel wall destruction by targeting Netrin-1 in vivo. These experiments will provide key insights into promising surgery alternatives and will head toward translationally applied future drug development to treat AAA.