Vascular Biology

Vascular biology research at RCSI aims to better understand how blood vessels develop, function and respond to injury.

Blood vessel abnormalities play a critical role in the pathogenesis of many common and serious diseases, including heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, pregnancy complications, diabetes and cancer.

Research at RCSI focuses on analysing risk factors and the molecular biology of vascular diseases, optimal therapy and the minimisation of cardiovascular complications. We utilise non-invasive methods in the measurement of vasculature and use patient genetics to identify risk factors with the aim of delivering personalised treatments to patients. Our research also explores new ways to treat sepsis and prevent cancer progression by inhibiting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) in tumours.

A major emphasis for our research is haemostasis (how bleeding is stopped following vascular damage) and determining the molecular causes of disorders such as haemophilia and Von Willebrand disease where blood fails to clot properly.

One notable exemplar of our research strategy to improve patient health is the iPATH study. This collaboration with SFI, Shire and the Irish Haemophilia Society seeks to revolutionise the current ‘one size fits all' global standard of treatment of haemophilia and develop a personalised treatment approach that will tailor treatments based on the needs of the individual patient.