Vascular calcium sensitivity and intercellular communication in aging

Aging is associated with increased mean arterial blood pressure and a failure to control brain blood flow within normal limits. This in turn carries an increased risk to develop heart failure, stroke and several forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's Disease. In this project we will investigate the molecular mechanisms behind age-related changes in calcium sensitivity of the contractile function of small arteries (<300 µm) that control our blood pressure and brain blood flow. In addition, we will investigate the consequences of and mechanisms behind altered intercellular communication in the blood vessel wall, which is apparent in aging. The project will involve education of young researchers, and will improve our basic knowledge about microvascular function in an aging global population.