UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science
Vascular disease
Vascular dysfunction
and abnormal vessel growth contribute to many different types of disease. For example, atherosclerosis
can cause stroke or myocardial infarct, whilst
microvascular abnormalities lead to vision loss in two common eye diseases,
diabetic retinopathy and age-related
macular degeneration. Accordingly, the study of vascular growth and homeostasis is of
enormous clinical significance. Vascular research in the UCL Institute of
Cardiovascular Science aims to identify genetic and
environmental factors that promote atherosclerosis to improve prevention, but
also to identify
molecular and cellular mechanisms that may be targeted therapeutically to
stimulate the growth of functional new vessels, block the growth of abnormal
vessels or repair dysfunctional vessels. Our researchers have made many important discoveries that have
helped to move forward non-invasive diagnosis, elucidate the origin of
congenital vascular disease and advance our understanding of the signalling
pathways that regulate microvessel growth.
Primary areas of research
- Vascular Signalling
- Mechanisms of Vascular Development
- Congenital Vascular Defects
- Vascular Physiology
Page last modified on 05 nov 12 14:49
