Per Eriksson: Aortic aneurysm

Our aim is to investigate mechanisms influencing matrix remodeling in thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysm is characterized by a degradation of the extra cellular matrix leading to a dilatation and eventually rupture of the vessel wall. The studies include molecular and cell biology, mice models, human biopsies and human genetics that will enable studies of the different stages of the disease. We have access to several unique biobanks and proteomics is used to analyze proteolytic degradation products in the aneurysmal wall. An animal model enable studies of disease initiation and progression, studies that are not possible using human aneurysmal biopsies taken at the end stage of the disease and more relevant for the pathology of aneurysm rupture. The results will be important for the development of tools not available at present to predict risk of aneurysm rupture.