Advancing VEDS Research Through A New Collaboration

As part of our mission to accelerate research on VEDS (Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), we are excited to announce a new partnership with The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. This effort brings an engineering perspective to the study of this rare and life-threatening collagen disorder.

Led by Dr. W. Robert Taylor and a dedicated team of faculty, researchers, and staff, this joint initiative aims to deepen scientific understanding of VEDS.

The First Step: A Humanized Mouse Model

The project’s initial focus is the development of a humanized mouse model using DNA from the national database. This model will be made available to the broader scientific community, benefiting not only VEDS research but also studies on other collagen disorders—broadening its impact and scientific value.

Next Steps in the Research

Two mouse lines will be generated: one with the VEDS mutation and one without (control). The VEDS-mutation model will undergo:

• Histological analysis of vascular tissue
• Protein production analysis
• mRNA sequencing
• Mechanical testing of aortic segments
• Platelet function analysis

Ultimately, researchers will conduct challenge studies to test hypertensive agents, potential therapeutics, and age-related effects.

Timeline

This groundbreaking project is expected to take 20–24 months to complete.