We have demonstrated in two populations that traditional cardiovascular risk factors, other than blood pressure, have little role in aortic stiffening. We have also identified a novel chromosomal region linked to aortic stiffness that has been replicated in several cohorts. Using a collection of human aortae we have shown that this area codes for a novel mRNA sequence and likely protein, that we are urgently investigating using expression analysis and biomechanical testing of aortic rings.
Section:
Cardiovascular
