A new model for aneurysm research that reduces the need for animals

Joint NC3Rs/BHF PhD Studentship: Development and characterisation of a human ex vivo model of aneurysm (Dr Jason L Johnson)

Dr Jason Johnson is supervising a PhD student who will develop a new model to study aortic aneurysm, when the wall of the main blood vessel leaving the heart, the aorta, swells and bulges like a balloon. Dr Johnson wants to develop a research model that avoids the need for animals. Aneurysms develop because the blood vessel wall becomes weak. As aneurysms increase in size, the risk of rupture rises, and this can cause disability or sudden death. Although doctors can repair and treat large aneurysms, there are currently no effective treatments for smaller aneurysms. Research is critical to identify new treatments to prevent aneurysm progression and rupture, and is highly dependent on animal research. In this project, the PhD student will develop a laboratory model of aneurysm that uses arteries from human umbilical cords left over after birth. These will be placed in a bio-reactor, where the student will test which agents trigger changes in the artery associated with aneurysm formation, progression and rupture. The model will be validated by testing drugs that can prevent or slow aneurysm formation. If successful, this alternative model will help to replace animals with a laboratory research tool to investigate aneurysm formation and rupture in people.