Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Investigating the role and mechanisms of key epigenetic modulators in endothelial cell specification and function

  • Andrew Yacoub

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

Abstract

Understanding the key mechanisms of differentiating vascular cell from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is crucial for maximising the success of establishing novel therapies in treating diseases such as ischaemia, myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease as the ability to create functional, safe, and rejuvenated vascular cells could have significant therapeutic implications.
This thesis reveals novel transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of endothelial cells (ECs) derived from iPSCs, mediated by the regulation of SET Similar Protein (SETSIP) and SET Domain Containing 7, Histone Lysine Methyltransferase (SETD7/ SET7), respectively.
The identification of these new regulators for the differentiation of iPSCs into vascular cells is a major advance in the field of regenerative medicine. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of more effective and efficient therapies that can be translated into clinical applications, using small molecules and growth factors to generate well-defined protocols.
Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2028.
Date of AwardJul 2025
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Queen's University Belfast
SponsorsNorthern Ireland Department for the Economy, British Heart Foundation & Medical Research Council
SupervisorAndriana Margariti (Supervisor) & David Grieve (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Disease Modelling
  • iPSCsInduced Pluripotent Stem Cells
  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • SETSIP
  • SETD7
  • endothelial Cells
  • epigenetics
  • Cardiovascular Disease

Cite this

'