$US1 million for artery research

A team of James Cook University researchers have received more than $1 million in funding to investigate an important medical problem.

They will investigate mechanisms leading to artery weakening, a condition named aortic aneurysm.

While this is the tenth most common cause of death for men, it is relatively under investigated, according to JCU Associate Professor in Surgery Jonathan Golledge.

Associate Professor Golledge created the vascular biology research group at JCU, which won a prestigious US National Institute of Health grant to fund the work about aortic aneurysms. They have been granted US$1 million (about AUS$1.3 million) over four years for the work.

"At the moment, there is no medical or drug based treatment for aortic aneurysm," Associate Professor Golledge said. "The only treatment is through surgery."

"The grant will let us study the role of newly discovered proteins in the artery weakening process," he said.

"The proteins were originally identified to play a role in bone turnover but we have recently demonstrated high concentrations within biopsies of aortic aneurysm. In the experimental situation the proteins encourage human cells to undergo changes seen in weakened arteries.

"The work is targeted at developing a new medical treatment for aortic aneurysm."

The vascular biology research group was established at JCU in 2002 and now includes four scientists and three students working in a fully equipped laboratory.

Associate Professor Golledge said they are looking for more people to join their group and the work they are doing on aortic aneurysms.

Aortic aneurysm affects around 5% of men over 60, being five times less common in women. Unless the condition is diagnosed by an incidental test, such as ultrasound, patients are usually unaware of its presence until rupture of the aneurysm occurs, which is commonly fatal.

For more details contact Associate Professor Jonathan Golledge on (07) 47814730 or 0403840401.