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AUF Starting Grant for research on the role of proteins on endothelial cells

Laura Bosmans, affiliated with the Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS) research institute, has been awarded a 25,000-euro AUF Starting Grant to research the role of proteins on endothelial cells during atherosclerosis. This grant is made possible by the Spinoza Fund of the Amsterdam University Fund (AUF).

Atherosclerosis, a thickening or hardening of the arteries, is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. It is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the arteries. Endothelial cells, the inner layer of blood vessels, play a crucial role in influencing the inflammatory process by regulating proteins that either promote or suppress inflammation (ICPs). However, the specific role of ICPs on endothelial cells remains unclear.  

With her grant, Laura Bosmans aims to examine which ICPs on endothelial cells undergo changes during atherosclerosis. 

3D culture models 

Laura: ‘I am focusing on the top five identified ICPs. Utilising tissue samples from patients with heart disease, I am assessing the presence of ICPs on endothelial cells. By modifying the presence of ICPs on the endothelium, our goal is to positively impact the activation of the immune system, ultimately reducing chronic inflammation levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases.’ 

Furthermore, Laura will employ modern 3D culture models to investigate how endothelial ICPs alter the interaction with inflammatory cells when the ICPs are blocked. 

New call in 2024

The next call for the AUF Starting Grant will be launched in 2024, probably in spring. Interested young scientists can find additional information on this website (will be updated this spring). Contact address: rs-startstipendium@amsterdamumc.nl.