Genetics of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, Biobank, Biomarkers, Cardiovascular disease, Genetics, Plaque, Single-cell, Target discovery
Research aim
Move from genome-wide association studies loci to novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases through integrative genomics, single-cell multiomics, and digital pathology of human atherosclerotic plaque, with a focus on patient heterogeneity and subgroup-aware risk prediction.
About us
In our research we focus on the genetic and molecular causes of atherosclerosis and their effects on plaque composition and morphology underlying ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease. Using the Athero-Express Biobank Study – a unique longitudinal biobank of arterial endarterectomy patients – we integrate genome-wide association data, single-cell and bulk molecular QTL analyses, and AI-assisted digital pathology to identify novel drug targets and cardiovascular biomarkers.
We apply post-GWAS methods including Mendelian randomization, co-localization, and fine-mapping to translate genetic signals into biological insight. A key focus is understanding how patient heterogeneity – including plaque phenotype, sex, diabetes, and other clinical diversity – shapes cardiovascular risk, with the goal of more precise and equitable risk stratification and treatment.
We support and promote principles of Open Science, guided by values of quality, integrity, transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration. The Future of Science is Open, as is our Science.