Mechanisms of endothelial quiescence: towards new targets in Rendu-Osler disease – ENQUIRE

Endothelial cells form the inner layer of blood vessels. These cells play a central role in the formation of new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. At adult stage, endothelial cells become quiescent while still controlling important biological processes different from one organ to another. Dysfunction of adult endothelium is a factor in the physiopathology of numerous vascular diseases. My project aims to better understand regulators that keep pulmonary and hepatic endothelia functional, with a particular focus on the ALK1 signaling pathway. ALK1 is a receptor exclusively expressed by endothelial cells and ALK1 mutations are responsible of the Rendu-Osler disease. By combining in vivo and in vitro models and state-of-the-art technologies, I aim to develop innovative therapies to cure the Rendu-Osler disease.