Focus on Translation

The goal of our research is to understand biology of disease and to learn how to molecularly restore function to defective organs. Our primary focus is to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to cardiovascular diseases by using different in vitro and in vivo models.

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Research fields at a glance

Molecular Immunopharmacology of the Heart

The KLAPPROTH group is dedicated to investigating the role and interplay of different immune cell subpopulations following an acute myocardial infarction. Our focus lies in understanding the significance of neutrophils in the pathogenesis and remodeling processes post-infarction, as well as the chemokines and proteases required for the recruitment of immune cells. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we employ cell culture models (iPS cells) and in vivo models in conjunction with pharmacological immunomodulators and genetic knockout techniques (CRISPR/Cas).

Electrophysiology

The KÄMMERER laboratory researches how disruptions in the electrical biology of single cardiomyocytes result in cardiac arrhythmias that lead to sudden death.

iPS Cells

The research of the GUAN laboratory focuses on the use of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) for the establishment of in vitro disease models. With these disease models, the GUAN lab is working out the mechansisms of the disease pathology.

Research

The aim of our institute's research is to understand disease mechanisms in order to restore the function of the diseased organ. Various in vitro and in vivo models are used to elucidate the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases.

Due to the diverse genetic engineering possibilities, the mouse is currently one of the most important model organisms in our institute. Under the direction of PROF. EL-ARMOUCHE, we are searching for regulated signaling proteins in human heart disease and are generating constitutive and inducible transgenic as well as knock-out mouse models to investigate the roles of the corresponding proteins in cardiovascular diseases as well as their translational potential. The working groups involved are the KÄMMERER GROUP and the KLAPPROTH GROUP.

Under the direction of PROF. GUAN, scientists at the Institute are conducting intensive research into the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) in pharmacology and toxicology as well as in individualized medicine. The working group involved is the SCHUBERT GROUP.

In that sense, our aim is always to contribute to the development of new clinically applicable therapeutic procedures and diagnostics for cardiovascular diseases through a better understanding of pathophysiology.