The research project 'Genetic Approach to Aortic Aneurysm', led by Prof. Barend Mees, has been awarded the Health Foundation Limburg (HFL) PhD Grant. In this study, vascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, biochemistry, and clinical genetics are working together on new patient-centered solutions.

The project focusses on patients with hereditary connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, who are at high risk of life-threatening aortic complications from a young age. Currently, no medication exists to prevent these complications, leaving patients reliant on risky surgeries.

 To change this, researchers are growing a ‘mini-aorta’ in the lab using stem cells derived from the patient’s own blood. These are transformed into vascular cells and used to recreate a small piece of the aortic wall. This enables scientists to study how the disease progresses on a personal level and test targeted treatments.

The lab-grown tissue also offers a platform to explore promising therapies, from drugs that may slow aneurysm growth to CRISPR gene editing techniques that could correct the underlying DNA mutation.

 If results are positive, these therapies could move into clinical trials, opening the door to safer, more personalised care.