Leducq Transatlantic Network of Excellence on Atherothrombosis Research (LENA)

European Coordinator:
  • Jean-Baptiste MICHEL, Hôpital Bichat, INSERM Unit 460, Paris (France)
North American Coordinator:
  • Peter LIBBY, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (USA)
Members:
  • Göran K. HANSSON, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm (Sweden)
  • Paul M. RIDKER, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston (USA)
  • Martine AIACH, Hôpital Européen G. Pompidou, Université Paris V; INSERM Unit 428 (France)
  • Peter CARMELIET, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven (Belgium)
  • Shaun COUGHLIN, University of California, San Francisco (USA)
  • John KANE, University of California, San Francisco (USA)

This multicentered research network will address the overarching theme of coronary atherothrombosis, the process responsible for the suddenly blocking the arteries of the heart, known in common parlance as a heart attack. Atherothrombosis is the ultimate complication of coronary atherosclerosis, disease of the arteries of the heart, and remains the major cause of death and disability resulting from cardiovascular disease. The research network involved in this project is designed to integrate various levels of scientific investigation, from genes to proteins, to cells. Findings in special mouse populations will be used to generate hypotheses that will guide human observational trials. The network can profit from complementary expertise and resources among the various research centers. It is hoped that the knowledge gained will afford a better understanding of atherthrombosis, especially including the role of inflammation, with an eye towards the eventual development of interventions and treatment.