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SUMMARY:Role of Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency Gene Networks and Epigene
 tic Control Mechanisms in Control of SMC Plasticity In Development\, Tissu
 e Repair\, and Disease - Dr. Gary K. Owens
DTSTART:20130221T124500Z
DTEND:20130221T140000Z
UID:TALK43615@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Eve Dillon
DESCRIPTION:Research interests and thematic emphasis\nDr. Owens research i
 s focused on the molecular regulation of differentiation of vascular smoot
 h muscle cells (SMC) during development\, and how transitions in the diffe
 rentiated state of these cells\, or so-called SMC phenotypic switching con
 tribute to the pathogenesis of major human diseases including atherosclero
 sis\, cancer\, hypertension\, and aneurysms. A major area of current focus
  is studying the role of epigenetic mechanisms (e.g. histone modifications
  and chromatin structure) and embryonic stem cell (ESC) [and induced pluri
 potential stem (iPS) cell] pluripotency gene networks in regulating transi
 tions in SMC phenotype during development of atherosclerosis as well as in
  tissue repair and regeneration. Remarkably\, using novel mouse model syst
 ems developed by his group\, they have evidence showing that perivascular 
 cells including SMC and pericytes represent a source of multi-potential MS
 C-like cells that play a key role in tissue regeneration and repair\, and 
 that phenotypic transitions of these cells are mediated via the ESC plurip
 otency genes Oct4 and Klf4.  Another project in the lab is focused on iden
 tification of mechanisms that lead to abnormal maturation of tumor blood v
 essels (i.e. defective SMC/pericyte investment and differentiation)\, a pr
 ocess linked with high rates of tumor cell shedding and metastasis.  Final
 ly\, he has a series of projects focused on investigating mechanisms that 
 regulate the stability of advanced atherosclerotic plaques\, a process of 
 critical importance in determining if a plaque is likely to rupture and in
 itiate a heart attack. \n
LOCATION:Seminar room 3\, Clinical School\, Addenbrookes
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