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Vascular Research Group LogoThe 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

Great saphenous vein cast 1.1The 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

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.

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