Experimental Cardiology provides a pivotal and vital connection between preclinical and clinical research.
Experimental and Translational Cardiology Research
We perform state of the art preclinical research with the aim to explore the pathological processes that underlie cardiac disease and to identify strategies to prevent and target cardiac syndromes. Our main focus is pathological cardiac remodeling, which can culminate into heart failure, a condition that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Amongst others we use genetic animal models, induced human pluripotent stem cells and patient material.
Team
The division employs professors, post-doctoral fellows, PhD candidates, and technicians. Prof. dr. Peter van der Meer, cardiologist, is the chairman of this division and Dr. Herman Silljé is directing the research in the preclinal cardiology laboratory. Several principal investigators have their respective research lines in the experimental cardiology.
Current projects
From Bench to Bedside: Advancing Cardiovascular Medicine
We investigate the full spectrum of heart disease, combining fundamental discoveries with translational research to develop innovative therapies that directly benefit patients.
Our Approach
We use advanced human and animal disease models, including:
> Human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and engineered 3D heart tissues
> Human precision-cut heart slices (e.g. from transplant material)
> Patient-derived cells and biomaterials
> Genetic animal models that closely mirror human cardiac disease
Cutting-Edge Technologies
Our research integrates state-of-the-art tools to study and treat heart disease:
> Gene silencing (siRNA) and AAV-based gene therapy
> CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, including prime editing
> Targeted nanoparticle delivery to the heart
> Advanced cardiac imaging (echocardiography, MRI, ECG, PET)
Research Focus
> Inherited cardiomyopathies
> Cardio-oncology
> Role of micronutrients in cardiac disease
> Metabolism and heart failure
Our mission: to translate molecular insights into precision therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease
“All clinical and epidemiological cardiology researchers are situated under the same roof, ensuring close interaction between all researchers within our department”.
Work with us
The Experimental Cardiology offers a strong environment in which initiative, curiosity, hard work, fun, and team play are central denominators. We are embedded in the European Heart Failure network, and are combining experimental and clinical work, which results in exciting translational science. We are always looking for enthusiastic researchers, who can work both independently and in a multidisciplinary environment.
Vacancies for graduate students, Ph.D. students and Postdocs are often posted. You can find them here.