The role of phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes (PEA)-15 in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the major cardiovascular disease affecting developed countries and is a substantial burden on healthcare. Atherosclerosis results from an increase in fatty “plaques” in the walls of arteries which ultimately restrict blood flow to the heart. The process of early plaque formation leading to fullly fledged cardiovascular disease is complex and not yet completely understood. Our recent research has uncovered a protein, called PEA-15, which we know may be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. Our laboratory has demonstrated that PEA-15 could be important in early plaque formation. This aims of this project will be to examine the role of PEA-15 in athersclerosis using a new experimental model specifically produced for this project. Through this research we could identify potentially identify new drug targets in cardiovascualr disease.