ABOUT US
The Leeper laboratory studies the vascular biology of atherosclerosis and aneurysm disease. We are interested in the molecular mechanisms that mediate vascular disease, and developing new translational therapies directed against them. Our group uses a combination of hypothesis-free genetic approaches, favoring the concept that insights generated in this manner are likely to have relevance to human disease. Currently, our major focus is on the chromosome 9p21 locus, which is widely recognized as the most important heritable cardiovascular locus identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We seek to fully explain how this locus - which affects over 20% of the population - potentiates coronary disease, stroke and aneurysms, and does so independently of all classical risk factors. Our group pursues the goal of true ‘bench-to-bedside’ translation, and includes a basic genetics, molecular biology and mouse model team, as well as a translational Vascular Medicine team which performs early-phase clinical research. Ultimately, we seek to develop a platform of new therapies directed against atherosclerosis, which is now the leading killer worldwide.
Heart Health
"Good vascular health is the key to longevity"
Watch Elsie Ross, MD Vascular Surgeon and Eri Fukaya, MD Vascular Medicine Specialist, discuss the importance of vascular health and how to protect your vascular system.
News, Events, and Team Milestones
Publication in Nature Nanotechnology
Trojan horse nanoparticles deliver anti-atherosclerotic therapy specifically to the diseased blood vessel
New study findings on atherosclerosis
New study led by post-doc Ying Wang investigates the clonal origin of atherosclerosis, and the role of failed immune surveillance in the clearance of inflamed smooth muscle cells.
Scout "salute" to Stanford Health Care front line workers
Menlo Park Scout Troup 565 decided to do something for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. They wanted to find a way to support local businesses that are struggling, and recognize the heroes that are keeping us safe, by redirecting money they had raised from popcorn sales this year.
Using the money they had raised, the troup was able to deliver 30 meals to ancillary staff at Stanford Health Care (janitors, security, patient transport, etc) who are often overlooked, but are of course ciritially important. In an overwhelming show of support, more than 100 cars along with a police escort delivered the meals to SHC staff.
Stanford Vascular Medicine cared for oldest competitive diver.
Dr. Nick Leeper and the Vascular Medicine team cared for the oldest competitive diver in the country who is 92! Viki Tamaradze discusses the integrated care she received at Stanford Vascular Medicine in her pursuit of a National championship.
AVF-JOBST Grant Awarded
Congratulations to Dr. Fukaya on being selected as the winner of the AVF-JOBST grant by the American Venous Forum Foundation. Dr. Fukaya will use this grant to study the role of leg bioimpedance as a biomarker for determining venous disease progression.