Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention

Project description:

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Europe, in most cases linked to atherosclerotic vascular inflammation as the underlying pathology. An increasing number of clinical studies provides proof for the therapeutic utility of anti-inflammatory approaches in atherosclerotic CVDs, but current drug strategies still lack specificity for vascular targets and suffer from immunosuppressive side effects. Hence, more research to decipher the underlying molecular pathomechanisms is urgently needed to develop vascular-targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In this context, our research group studies the role of cannabinoid (lipid)-sensitive receptor networks in vascular inflammation and related organ pathology.

The project will employ mouse models of experimental myocardial infarction and stroke as well as cutting edge technology available in the institute, including transcriptomics, advanced imaging, flow cytometry, as well as standard immunological assays and molecular biology. Furthermore, the doctoral candidate will benefit from our cardiovascular and neurovascular PhD educational training and mentoring program.