Research Unit 809

 

Chemokines and Adhesion Molecules in Cardiovascular Pathogenesis

The aim of the Research Unit to investigate and learn more about the molecular causes and pathophysiological consequences of atherosclerosis, and thereby to identify possible therapeutic targets.

 

Background

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, afflicting the inner layers of the arterial wall, in coronary artery disease, for instance. This often leads to chronic occlusion or to rupture of unstable plaques and acute thrombosis.

Risk factors such as lipid disorders, hypertension, and smoking can promote inflammatory processes in the arterial wall and thereby precipitate myocardial infarction and stroke.

The Structure of the Research Unit

Seven project groups from five institutes and clinical departments at University Hospital Aachen together with partners from the University of Maastricht investigate the signal molecules (chemokines) and binding receptors (adhesion molecules) which govern the recruitment and immigration of inflammatory and immune cells into the vascular wall.

This will involve a broad spectrum of techniques and approaches such as transgenic mouse models of atherosclerosis, intravital microscopy, and complex models of myocardial infarction; techniques from structural biology and biophysical methods will also be applied.

Ultimate Goal: Intervention and Therapy

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying all stages of atherosclerosis will make possible tailored options for intervention and translation into clinical therapy and prevention.

Spokesperson

Spokesperson for the Research Unit is Prof. Dr. Christian Weber, Director of the Institute for Prophylaxis and Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases at Klinikum der Universität München.