The role of Piezo-1 in arteriovenous fistula maturation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of Piezo-1 in arteriovenous fistula maturation
IRAS ID
290027
Contact name
Jonathan De Siqueira
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Arteriovenous fistulae are a surgically-created connection between the arteries and veins. They are created so that patient who have end-stage kidney failure can have dialysis. The joining of arteries to veins make the veins stretch (dilate) and carry higher volumes of blood, which makes dialysis possible. This is brought about by the changes of the vein in response to higher pressure, higher volume blood flowing through it. However, up to 50% of fistulas fail to 'mature' as planned and the vein never dilates. The reasons for this are not well understood.
Piezo-1 is a molecule found in cells which is believed to detect mechanical force and translate this into changes in how the cell behaves. Its function has been linked to a number of diseases of arteries and most recently, linked to the formation of varicose veins. We believe that Piezo1 may play a role in the changes that happen to veins after fistula formation.
To investigate this, we plan to collect a vein sample from patients who are undergoing arteriovenous fistula formation. This will be collected during their operation. The sample will be taken to a laboratory in the University of Leeds where it will be tested for Piezo1 and associated molecules. We will then establish whether there is any link between patients who have abnormal Piezo1 expression and fistulas which do not mature.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0165
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion