Vascular Biology

The normal functioning of the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle is heavily reliant on appropriate and tightly controlled changes in the endometrial vasculature.  This involves both the blood and lymphatic vessels, which grow and remodel via several closely related processes including:

• Angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)
• Arteriogenesis (process through which by capillaries acquire a coat of vascular smooth muscle cells)
• Lymphangiogenesis (new lymph vessel growth)

These processes are of clinical interest because of their important roles in wound healing and tumour growth and spread throughout the entire human body.  They also play significant roles in several gynaecological disorders including endometrial cancer, endometriosis, menorrhagia and breakthrough bleeding. These conditions are a major burden on the healthcare system, and have significant impacts on a woman’s quality of life. 

A better understanding of the mechanisms by which these processes are regulated will increase the chance of successfully manipulating abnormal vessel growth for clinical advantage. 

To appropriately investigate the regulation and interaction between endometrial angiogenesis, arteriogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, scientists in the Centre for Women’s Health Research are currently studying mouse models in combination with studies on human uterine tissues. It is hoped these studies will generate knowledge relevant both to specific endometrial vascular disorders and the broader field of vascular biology.