Coordinator: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Linke

The Vascular System research focus employs cutting-edge and novel approaches to elucidate (1) the molecular basis of blood and lymphatic vessel growth, as well as (2) the molecular and physiological changes in various diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. This research focus has a translational orientation: in addition to fundamental research-driven molecular and cell biological questions on vascular function and growth, highly developed, multimodal imaging techniques are used in interdisciplinary approaches to develop novel diagnostic methods for clinical applications. These questions are essential to, among other things, the Collaborative Research Centre 1450. Our research focusses on the molecular or genetic reasons of myocellular dysfunction in heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiac diseases, as well as the pathophysiological pathways involved. Clinically applicable and patient-centered research in these disorders is also essential.