Redox signaling in vascular cells

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Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule produced in the body. It plays a major role in the function of the nervous system, immune system and the circulatory system. NO is a very reactive compound that reacts with oxygen and with biomolecules to form both stable and unstable NO-derivatives that help mediate its physiological effects. However, the manner in which these stable NO-derivatives are formed, transported throughout the circulatory system and produce their physiological effects are poorly understood. The focus of Dr. Mutus' research funded by an NSERC Discovery Grant is on the circulatory system. He and his research group will first seek to develop novel new methods and devices to monitor the levels of NO-derivatives and their cellular targets. In the second part, these techniques/devices will be used in red blood cells and endothelial cells to understand the manner in which NO and its derivatives are interconverted and transported within and between cells to regulate blood flow in far reaches of the body. In carrying out this research, the four graduate students and up to fifteen undergraduate students will receive cross-disciplinary training at the interface of chemistry and cell biology. Furthermore, the proposed research will make knowledge transfer contributions by introducing new gold-based diagnostic devices and methods for assessing blood function.