Ten million Danish kroner given to research into atherosclerosis and enigmatic cells
Jacob Fog Bentzon, associate professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine, has received approx. DKK ten million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The grant will be used to explore cell changes associated with the development of atherosclerosis.
Most scientists today view hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, as an inflammatory disease. However, new research shows that local, smooth muscle cells represent a much greater factor in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque which leads to atherosclerosis. Until now, the majority of these cells have lived a hidden life because they lose their normal smooth muscle cell characteristics and instead resemble other cell types.
With the grant, Jacob Fog Bentzon will examine the functional consequences of this enigmatic cell population in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim is to find new treatment methods.
The Hallas-Møller Ascending Investigator grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the DKK ten million are awarded to support associate professors in their careers and in their efforts to achieve their full research potential.
Contact
Associate Professor, PhD Jacob Fog Bentzon
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine – Cardiology
Mobile: (+45) 5146 2725
Email: jben@clin.au.dk