The Leducq Transatlantic Network of Excellence which focuses on the role of the perivascular spaces in small vessel disease, has launched its website today. What is small vessel disease (SVD)? Small vessel disease, a group of vascular disorders resulting from the pathological impairment of the small blood vessels of the brain, is strongly linked to causing some forms of dementia and stroke. Most SVD cases occur at random, but there are a few that can be passed down through the family and are caused by genetic mutations. For the rest of the cases, the cause is still unknown. In order to develop new treatments for SVD we need to understand the different processes that occur in the brain to cause disease. Transatlantic network of excellence Fondation Leducq have funded an international network to investigate the role of the perivascular space in cerebral small vessel disease. Included in this network, are world-class experts from over seven institutions across North America and Europe, who individually have developed novel techniques and unveiled key insights into cerebral microvascular structure and function. They will now combine their unique strengths and motivations to unravel the pathobiology of the perivascular space, a structure that plays a pivotal role in maintaining brain health and underpins SVD. Website and global hub The new website has been launched for the Fondation Leducq transatlantic network of excellence funded project, in which our Professor Joanna Wardlaw and colleagues will study the role of the perivascular space in cerebral small vessel disease. The website will also form a hub of general information on small vessel disease. Useful links Fondation Leducq Leducq Transatlantic Network of Excellence website Professor Joanna Wardlaw The Biochemist Blog Publication date 02 Aug, 2017
