The Vascular Research Group is headed by Emeritus Professor Andre van Rij and Professor Greg Jones, and conducts a wide range of research in the fields of vascular biology, genetics, and physiology.
This multidisciplinary group has a wide range of basic science and clinical skills, including molecular biology (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics), immunohistopathology, cell culture, and vascular physiology (ultrasonography).
The Vascular Research Group's primary research interests
- The genetic basis of different forms of vascular disease including abdominal aortic aneurysm, coronary artery disease, lower limb arterial disease, stroke, and varicose veins
- Determining the early processes in the formation of atherosclerosis (arterial disease)
- The identification of circulating markers of vascular susceptibility and/or post-interventional outcome
- Determining the pathophysiology of venous disease
The Vascular Research Group is currently funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Our research group is a leading member of the Vascular Research Consortium of New Zealand, which aims to support collaborative vascular networks nationally.
Visit the Vascular Research Consortium of New Zealand
Our people
- Gerry Hill
Clinical Manager and Charge Technologist (DMU Vascular) - Sam Johnson
Technologist (Trainee) - Professor Greg Jones
Research Consultant - Abraham Kan
Technologist (Trainee) - Mrs Jo Krysa
Senior Lecturer / Vascular Surgeon - Mrs Sarah Lesche
Clinical Senior Lecturer / Vascular Surgeon - Rebecca Millen
Technologist (Trainee) - Kate Thomas
Lecturer - Emeritus Professor Andre van Rij
Selected publications
Jones, G. T., Bown, M. J., Gretarsdottir, S., Romaine, S. P. R., Helgadottir, A., Yu, G., Jin, C., Phillips, L. V., Williams, M. J. A., Topless, R., Merriman, T. R., Lewis, D. R., van Rij, A. (2013). A sequence variant associated with Sortilin-1 (SORT1) on 1p13.3 is independently associated with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Human Molecular Genetics, 22(14), 2941-2947. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddt141
Vincent, J., Jones, G.T., Hill, G., & van Rij, A.M. (2011). Failure of microvenous valves in small superficial veins is a key to the skin changes of venous insufficiency. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 54(6 Suppl), 62S-69S.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.06.085
Jones, G.T., Grant, M.W., Hill, G.B., Thomson, I.A., & van Rij, A.M. (2009). Characterization of a Porcine Model of Chronic Superficial Varicose Veins. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 49(6),1554-1561. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2009.01.070
van Rij, A.M., De Alwis, C.S., Jiang, P., Christie, R.A., Hill, G.B., Dutton, S.J., & Thomson, I.A. (2008). Obesity and impaired venous function. European Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, 35(6), 739-744. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2008.01.006
van Rij, A.M., Jones, G.T., Hill, B.G., Amer, M., Thomson, I.A., Pettigrew, R.A., & Packer, S.G.K. (2008). Mechanical inhibition of angiogenesis at the saphenofemoral junction in the surgical treatment of varicose veins: Early results of a blinded randomized controlled trial. Circulation, 118(1), 66-74. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.726869
Hill, G., Albayati, S., Thomson, I., MacFarlane, J., Dutton, S., & van Rij, A.M. (2007). Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms: optimal management and treatment options. Journal for Vascular Ultrasound, 31(3), 131-135.