Tackling fatty plaques and aneurysms by blocking tiny blood vessel growth.

Assessing the role of IL-3RA and STAT5A-directed neovascularisation in atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms

Heart attacks occur when a build-up of fatty material in the walls of coronary arteries blocks blood flow to the heart. It’s one of the leading causes of death in the UK. The fatty build-up is known as atherosclerosis, and this can also cause weakening of the blood vessel wall. When this happens, the vessel can expand outwards and rupture – called an aneurysm. These researchers are looking for ways to prevent these life-threatening events. It’s known that tiny blood vessels grow in and around fatty build-ups and aneurysms. It’s a process known as neovascularisation, and it’s thought to accelerate both diseases. Dr Jason Johnson and his team have found that the growth of small blood vessels is assisted by a particular protein called IL3RA. They think that the use of preventive treatments to block this specific protein – or an associated one – could halt neovascularisation. They will now test this in mice and human tissue. The research may identify a way to target the process of neovascularisation to stop atherosclerosis in its tracks and prevent dangerous aneurysm rupture – which together affect many thousands of people in the UK every year.