A genome wide association study (GWAS) of abdominal aortic aneurysm progression (T3/6)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling of the main blood vessel in the body, the aorta. AAAs develop slowly over time. During this long latent phase they are usually asymptomatic. Someone will often only know they have an AAA when it bursts (ruptures) which is usually fatal. In the UK, AAA rupture is responsible for over 3000 deaths every year. To find AAAs before they rupture men are offered screening. Large AAAs can then be surgically repaired to prevent rupture. The majority of AAAs detected in screening are small, low risk AAAs.

These small AAA inevitably grow over time so men found to have small AAA are monitored (surveillance). Most men will spend at least 3 years in surveillance programmes. There are no known strategies to prevent AAAs growing however, but surveillance presents an opportunity to intervene as regular contact with the patients occurs. In previous research we have collected a cohort of over 4,000 men with small AAAs that have been monitored over time. This cohort will be genotyped using whole genome arrays to determine if genetic risk loci for prevalent AAA are also associated with AAA growth, and also to identify new loci for AAA growth.
Entry Requirements
UK Bachelor Degree with at least 2:1 in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent.

University of Leicester English language requirements apply.

This project is available for UK/EU/International students.
How to Apply
Application advice and application link:
https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/wellcome-trust-2020