Regulation of endometrial angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Peter Rogers (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Jane Girling

Brief description Unlike almost all other parts of the adult body, the blood vessels of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grow and breakdown each month as part of the menstrual cycle. The endometrium also has a very unusual distribution of lymph vessels, which are responsible for removing excess fluid from the tissues and also have an important role in the immune system. The overall aim of this research is to understand how growth and regression of these vascular systems are controlled in the endometrium. The information will have immediate relevance to a number of clinical problems in which abnormal changes in the blood and lymph vascular systems are observed (e.g. tumour growth, wound healing). This includes a number of significant problems relevant to women's health. Non-menstrual bleeding (often termed breakthrough bleeding) is one of the most common gynaecological problems suffered by women, and can be particularly worrying as it may be a symptom of more serious diseases such as uterine cancer. Breakthrough bleeding can occur under a wide range of hormonal conditions and is thought to be due, at least in part, to faulty uterine blood vessel growth. Endometrial cancer is another serious disease and is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy of the female reproductive system. When diagnosed early, this cancer responds well to therapy. However, treatment of this disease is much more difficult when an increase in blood vessel growth is observed and the tumours interact with the lymphatic vascular system. An aim of this research is to investigate changes in uterine blood and lymph vessel growth associated with breakthrough bleeding and endometrial cancer.

Funding Amount $AUD 488,273.48

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant