EXPERIMENTAL VASCULAR MEDICINE @ TUM

WHAT WE DO

Our research aims to understand the role of non-coding RNAs in vascular disease development and progression. We study whether non-coding RNAs will be suitable biomarkers and therapeutic targtes in vascular cell therapy. The two main diseases in focus are abdominal aortic aneurysms and advanced atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries.

ABOUT US

The Vascular Biology and Experimental Vascular Medicine Unit belongs to the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (Director: Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Henning Eckstein) at the Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University Munich (TUM): .

Our lab is located on the Biederstein Campus along the scenic English Garden in the Schwabing district of Munich. Research in the lab is currently funded through the European Research Council (ERC; Starting Grant NORVAS), the German Research Council (DFG, Heisenberg Programme), and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK, Junior Research Group, Translational Research Project). We are members of the Munich Heart Alliance (http://www.munich-heart-alliance.de), the DFG-sponsored Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1123 'Atherosclerosis - Mechanisms and networks of novel therapeutic targets' (https://www.sfb1123.med.uni-muenchen.de), the Cardiolinc network (), DigiMed Bayern (), and the EU COST action CardioRNA (http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/ca/CA17129?).

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM DISEASE

We use human biobank material, preclinical experimental models, and organoid systems (aorta-on-a-chip) to study the underlying patho-mechanisms of AAA disease. We develop novel models and treatment strategies to halt aneurysm progression.

CAROTID ARTERY STENOSIS AND STROKE

We want to develop novel strategies to stabilize

vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries. Main focus are

molecular mechanisms and genetic factors that determine the fate of vascular smooth muscle cells within fibrous caps of advanced lesions.

NON-CODING RNA

Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAS, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, have recently been discovered to play crucial roles in cardiovascular homeostasis and disease development. We want to understand their deregulation and explore the therapeutic benefit of their modification.

CONTACT US

Thanks for your interest in our research. Get in touch with any questions or comments regarding our work and publications.