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.

Prof. Dr. Lars Mägdefessel

Head of the Institute of Molekular Vascular Medicine

Head of «Vascular Biology» – Klinik und Poliklinik für Vaskuläre und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie

Research funding representative

https://www.molvascular.mh.tum.de/de/team

News

ERC Consolidator Grant for Prof. Lars Mägdefessel for his project to determine long non-coding RNA-based therapies for vascular diseases.

Learn more

About Us

The Molecular Vascular Medicine lab is located on TUM’s Biederstein Campus along the scenic English Garden in the Schwabing district of Munich (Münchner Freiheit, U3/U6 subway lines). We are members of the DZHK partner site Munich (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 TRR 267 on ‘Non-coding RNAs in the cardiovascular system’ (https://cardiovascular-ncrna.de), the light house project of the Freestate of Bavaria ‘DigiMed Bayern’ (https://www.digimed-bayern.de), as well as the CNATM Clusters4Future on RNA-based therapies (https://www.clusters4future.de) supported by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).

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

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.

EXPERIMENTAL VASCULAR MEDICINE @ TUM