Shedding a light on vascular remodeling

Sier, V.Q. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis investigates vascular remodeling as a dynamic and multifactorial process underlying atherosclerosis, vein graft disease, and coronary artery disease. By integrating historical perspectives, experimental biology, advanced imaging, and large-scale human data, it aims to bridge fundamental mechanistic findings with clinical relevance.

Overall, this work identifies key molecular and cellular drivers of adverse vascular remodeling, introduces novel approaches to visualize and modulate this process, and uncovers promising sex-specific targets  associated with advanced atherosclerosis.

• Vascular remodeling
• Accelerated atherosclerosis
• Vein graft disease
• Photoacoustic imaging
• TGF-beta signaling
• Proteomics
• Bypass surgery
• Ultrasound imaging
• Cell-based tracers
• History

• All authors: Sier, V.Q.
• Supervisor: Quax, P.H.A.
• Co-supervisor: Vries, M.R. de
• Committee: Goumans, M.J.T.H.; Schepers, A.; Yeung, K.K.; Pasterkamp, G.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2026-02-11
• Sponsorship: Plan B creatieve communicatie; Script-aid; Thomas & Partners B.V.