Research
Cardiovascular-Immunology
Our immune system plays an important role in the cardiovascular system under both homeostatic and perturbed conditions. In response to infection or after myocardial infarction, large numbers of immune cells are recruited to the heart to scavenge pathogens, remove dying tissue and promote healing. Under some circumstances, immune cells can cause irreversible damage, contributing to heart failure. Also, various innate and adaptive immune pathways have been identified in atherosclerosis.
The CSL Cardiovascular-Immunology research program is working to understand the crosstalk between the cardiovascular and the innate and adaptive immune system in the scope of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocarditis and atherosclerosis with the goal of developing therapeutic options.
Cardioprotection – Mitochondrial Physiopathology
Mitochondria are multifunctional organelles, and their structural and functional integrity is fundamental to cell life. They can drive cellular dysfunction and demise. Mitochondria supply ATP through oxidative phosphorylation and a major hub for cellular Ca2+ signaling. They can be restricted in ATP synthesis and can become the major source of reactive oxygen species. Mitochondria represent a point of convergence for a variety of upstream cell death stimuli and subsequent transmission of signals to downstream executioner proteins.
The CardioScienceLabs Mitochondrial Physiopathological research program is working to understand the molecular pathways that regulate mitochondrial decision on cell fate with the goal of developing a protection shield to ensure mitochondrial health, preventing loss of cardiac function.
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic shock is caused by severe impairment of myocardial performance that results in severely reduced cardiac output, commitment end-organ hypoperfusion, and hypoxia. It is a still common cause of mortality and management remains challenging despite advances in therapeutic options. Acute myocardial infarction accounts for more than 80% of patient in cardiogenic shock.
The CardioScienceLabs research program on cardiogenic shock is working to understand the underlying mechanisms with the goal to optimize current therapeutic strategies using percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices.
Cardio-Oncology
One of the most important consequences of chemotherapy are adverse effects on the heart’s function, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality of cancer survivors.
The CSL Onco-Cardiology research program is working to understand the roots of cardiotoxicity with the goal of developing cardioprotective therapies for a rapidly growing population of cancer survivors.
Cardio-Neurology
Central nervous system and neuromuscular disorders can directly or indirectly affect the heart. In patients hospitalized with acute cerebral ischemic events, the occurrence of acute myocardial injury is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
The CardioScienceLabs Cardio-Neurology research program is working to define the role of cardiac mitochondria in stroke induced neurogenic cardiac damage.
Microbiome
A growing body of data shows a mutual interaction between the oral/enteral microbiome and acute cardiovascular diseases. Depending on external factors, microbiome derived metabolites can aggravate or reduce acute cardiovascular pathologies.
The CardioScienceLabs Microbiome research program seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms to find new ways of microbiome modulation to salvage the burden of acute cardiovascular events.
Arrhythmias & Cardiac Innervation
The CSL Arrhythmia & Cardiac Innervation research program is working to define the influence of the autonomic nervous system and cardiac inflammation on ventricular arrhythmogenesis.
We are engaged in research on the relevance of sympathetic innervation on ventricular arrhythmogenesis, with the goal of improving therapeutical options for patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Nuclear-Cardiology
The Nuclear-Cardiology research program is working to establish novel molecular imaging strategies for the visualisation of cardiac remodelling as well as image-guided concepts for cardiac repair. Non-invasive nuclear imaging allows us to assess the therapeutic efficacy of drug candidates. The power of combining drug design with nuclear medicine imaging could therefore set the stage for a fantastic revolution in cardiovascular medicine.
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ulrike Hendgen-Cotta
Clinically translated approaches may enable healthcare providers to tailor personalized treatment plans, monitor therapeutic interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of cardiovascular therapies.
Prof. Dr. med. Tienush Rassaf
Research partners around the globe
Teaching – Contact us!
We are always happy to have enthusiastic graduate students and post-docs join the CardioScience Labs. If you are interested, please send your CV to
ulrike.hendgen-cotta@uk-essen.de
For Clinical Fellows:
