Cardiovascular Molecular Genetics
Head of the group
The major focus of our research group lies on the elucidation of genetic factors contributing to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The various forms of cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction) serve as human model diseases whereas mouse and zebrafish models are used or, respectively, generated to pinpoint molecular pathways. Over the last five to ten years, many disease causing mutations contributing to genetic forms of heart failure in humans have been identified. The challenge of the coming years will be to delineate the pathophysiology of these mutations in detail. Important extensions of our research program are experiments through which we try to understand the regenerative capacity of the heart. And, finally, we aim to shed light on the role of nuclear receptors on cardiac metabolism and gene expression in the genesis of heart failure. Eventually, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of these model diseases will enable us to find better ways of diagnosing and treating our heart failure patients.