Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when there is a build-up of plaque in the arteries. This can cut off blood supply and eventually lead to limb amputation. Here we are investigating a novel approach to help restore blood supply to these tissues. Endothelial colony forming cell (ECFC) are cells that are involved in blood vessel repair in the body. ECFCs are in the blood and the blood vessel wall. ECFC therapy is being widely investigated as a potential treatment to restore health and function in various diseases, including PAD. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a molecule found in blood vessels that affects their function. In this project, we will use laboratory-based techniques to investigate if there is a problem with eNOS in ECFCs of patients with PAD, and whether this problem is causing disruption in the function of the ECFCs. If there is a problem with eNOS in diseased ECFCs, this could be a potential target for cell modification, resulting in a new treatment for patients with PAD. This could improve patient outcome, reduce health care costs for these patient populations, and prevent the progression into critical limb ischaemia which has a high amputation and mortality rate.
