Scientists Discover Genetic Switch that Can Prevent Peripheral Vascular Disease in Mice

Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have tested a non-surgical treatment in mice that could improve Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) by increasing blood circulation in the extremities.

Researchers were able to identify a genetic “switch” that suppresses blood vessel development, and then turn off that switch in mice – allowing for prevention of PVD and acceleration of the natural process of blood vessel regeneration.

The genetic switch used by scientists in the study is called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1 beta (PGC1beta). Researchers say their next step will be to test the treatment in models of other conditions that dramatically decrease circulation – like diabetes and atherosclerosis.