News & Events
Starting of the Women Connect Series
October 27, 2021
In September 2021, the “Women Connect Series” network for female researchers was founded. Together, the TRR259, TRR237, Cluster ImmunoSensation2, iRTG2168 and SFB1454 want to organize a network with workshops, lectures and network events for female scientists.
As a prelude, we offer an exciting workshop on the topic of "Improvement of visibility and media strategy" followed by an exchange of experiences between the participants and the coach.
Contact: [Email protection active, please enable JavaScript.]
Young Investigator Award from the ESC - Dr. Mohammed Rabiul Hosen
August 29, 2021
Big congratulations to our TRR259 member, Dr. Mohammed Rabiul Hosen!
Dr. Hosen received the Young Investigator Award (YIA) in Basic Science Session from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for the presentation of his latest translational work on ESC congress-2021, from August 27-30, 2021.
The study entitled “Circulating microRNA-122-5p correlates with improvement in left-ventricular function after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and regulates viability of cardiomyocytes via extracellular vesicles”.
Dr. Hosen with his group demonstrated that circulating miR-122-5p is upregulated via extracellular vesicles in aortic valve stenosis (AVS)-patients with persistent LV dysfunction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and can be an important predictor of cardiac dysfunction in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after the TAVR procedure.
This study is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – Project-ID 397484323 – TRR 259 (Project B04).
TRR259: Annual Retreat - Hybrid Event
August 23 - 24, 2021 (St. Goar)
The third annual meeting of the TRR259 took place this year as a hybrid event. In order to talk to all TRR259 members and associated members about the research results in the field of aortic diseases, all lectures to Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf were streamed live from the Schlosshotel St. Goar. The successes of the last 2 years were discussed together and further plans for future projects were presented.
In addition to TRR259 projects, other work related to research into aortic diseases was also presented. Experts in the field were invited to:
Prof. Bodo Levkau and Dr. Nathalie Schröder from the Institute for Molecular Medicine III at the University of Düsseldorf,
Prof. Artur Lichtenberg and PD Dr. Hug Aubin from the Dept. of Cardiac Surgery at the University Hospital Düsseldorf,
PD Dr. Verena Hörr from the Clinic for Radiology at the University Hospital Münster, and
Dr. Jane Reznick from CECAD CologneCluster of Excellence at the University of Cologne.
After many lectures and discussions, a short hike above the Rhine Valley near Sankt Goar was done.
(c) Marika Enders, Schlosshotel Rheinfels
Film screening event Picture a scientist
July 4-5 + July 6 2021
Together with the TRR237, ImmunoSensation2 and the IRTG2168 the TRR259 is organizing a film screening event showing the movie: PICTURE A SCIENTIST.
PICTURE A SCIENTIST chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, ranging from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights.
You can find out more about the content of the film and how to register on this page.
(c) https://mindjazz-pictures.de/filme/picture-a-scientist/
Day of Immunology
April 24, 2021
Once again this year, the ImmunoSensation Cluster of Excellence is celebrating the Day of Immunology, which will take place worldwide on April 29, with a digital event.
On April 24th (Saturday) the cluster will open the world of immunology to kids and adults with various lectures and live experiments. The focus will be on the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and how it affects the immune system.
The TRR259 shows all interested participants in a live tour how scientists work in a cardiology laboratory.
Participation is free. The zoom link can be used for all events.
Interested parents and their children can read the experiment to be carried out and take part themselves under the following link.
http://www.biotopia.net/de/biotopia-lab/lab-at-home/10-german/269-code-des-lebens
Information about our immune system and Covid-19
At https://das-immunsystem.de/tag-der-immunologie-2021/ we have put together a lot of interesting materials, about SARS-CoV-2 / Covid-19, but also about the immune system in general, for example about vaccinations work or to transplants.
The following posters were created on the subject of Covid-19:
- SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19: What is it?
- Hygiene and behavioral measures to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infections
- SARS-CoV-2 test systems
- Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: how does it actually work?
- Side effects and risks of vaccines
- What does immunity mean?
- Medicines in Covid-19 therapy
TRR259 Kid's Box available
Dear TRR259 members,
many parents know this situation: The nursery is unexpectedly closed, grandma and grandpa are travelling or you have to work during the afternoon or evening. Or would you like to take part in an evening seminar?
Who takes care of the child while you have to take care of tasks at your office?
The solution:
The TRR259 KidsBox offers practical support on site. It is rolled to the workplace and turns it into a 'parent-child room' in no time at all, making it an offer for a better work-life balance.
How does the KidsBox work?
The KidsBox is equipped for babies and children up to primary school age. While your child is temporarily cared for and kept busy, you can do important work.
If you have any questions concerning the kids box, just have a look or if you want to book it, please contact
In Cologne: Dr. Monika Schlosser: monika.schlosser(at)uk-koeln.de
In Bonn: Dr. Marika Enders: menders(at)uni-bonn.de
Open registration: Career Day –Inside and outside academia (July 1-2,2021)
You are currently within your PhD or in your early postdoc and thinking about your next steps?
If the answer is yes and you want to get an overview about your career opportunities:
Take the chance and join the
Career Day – Inside and outside academia
Date: July 01 – July 02, 2021
Time: 9 am – 5pm
Location: online
Some of you may have little insight into potential professional fields.
We would like to broaden your scope and introduce you to the classic paths within and outside of science but also present alternative paths taken by scientists.
The Career Day will help you to clarify a few questions that you may have asked yourself during your scientific education but also expand your expectations: What are the range of potential positions for PhDs? How can you get access in these professional areas? To what extent was and is the PhD helpful? What does every day work look like in different kind of fields?
The attached flyer gives you an overview of the exciting topics of our Career Day.
The exciting program of our Career Days can be found here.
We are looking forward to your registration and hope to see you all on our Career Day 2021
Please register until June 15, 2021:
https://www.umfrageonline.com/s/8712c82
Best Wishes
Marika Enders, scientific coordinator TRR259
Alexandra Krämer, Graduates Program Coordinator (BIGS Immunosciences and Infection) and Gender and Family Support
Lucie Delforge, Coordination Office IRTG2168
Simon Görgen, scientific coordinator TRR237
App-based approach to treat heart disease
March 16, 2021
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Felix Jansen's group shows how the collaboration between research institutions (Herzzentrum Bonn) and start-up companies (Vantis GmbH) can work to develop innovative treatment options for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). They developed an app to integrate secondary prevention into the everyday life of patients with coronary artery diseases. The app provided a daily 15-minute program that included video-guided exercises, video sessions with background information about CAD, and a tool to record blood pressure and heart rate once a day. They could show that the regular use of the app appears to support lifestyle changes in patients with CAD.
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Publication: Eckardt I, Buschhaus C, Nickenig G, Jansen F.; Smartphone-guided secondary prevention for patients with coronary artery disease; Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. January 2021. doi:10.1177/2055668321996572
TRR259 Symposium in Cologne
May 06, 2021
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At our second international Mini-Symposium on May 6, 2021 in Cologne, 3 international speakers and 3 TRR259 projects will present their research on aortic diseases: International speakers:
TRR259-Projects:
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DGK research grant: Dr. Mohammed Rabiul Hosen
January 2021
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The German Society for Cardiology (DGK) - Heart and Circulatory Research e.V. promotes the next generation of scientists in cardiology and cardiovascular basic subjects by awarding DGK research grants. Dr. Mohammed Rabiul Hosen, a member of the TRR259, has now received such a research grant of € 50,000 for his research project for 2021. Dr. Hosen together with his team involved in research on cardiovascular disease (CVD), from investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in coronary heart diseases (CHDs) to the development of holistic RNA-based therapeutic approaches for the diagnosis ("Liquid Biopsies") and treatment of multifactorial CVDs. Since his PhD research at the Inst. of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University Frankfurt, he has been working on the development of RNA-based cardiovascular biomarkers/therapies by focusing on different CVDs, including atherosclerosis and its sequelae, and implementing in vitro and in vivo models (myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, aortic valve stenosis, and heart failure). Congratulations and good luck with your work. |  |
Publication about an altered intercellular communication mediated by MicroRNA in chronic kidney diseases
November 02, 2020
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MicroRNA-mediated vascular intercellular communication is altered in chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). For both, CKD and CAD, the intercellular transfer of microRNAs (miR) through extracellular vesicles (EVs) is an important factor of disease development. Whether the combination of CAD and CKD affects endothelial function through cellular crosstalk of EV-incorporated miRs is still unknown. | |
Publication: Andreas Zietzer; Eva Steffen; Sven Niepmann; Philip Düsing; Mohammed Rabiul Hosen; Weiyi Liu; Paul Jamme; Baravan Al-Kassou; Philipp Roger Goody; Sebastian Zimmer; Katrin S Reiners; Alexander Pfeifer; Michael Böhm; Nikos Werner; Georg Nickenig; Felix Jansen
Cardiovascular Research cvaa322, 2020 Nov. 02, https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvaa322
Young investigator Award of the German Cardiac Society: Dr. Sven Thomas Niepmann
October 26, 2020
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The "Young Investigator Awards" are presented every year at the annual conference of the German Cardiac Society (DGK). Young scientists who are not older than 35 years are honored. Several young cardiologists from the heart center of the University Hospital were honored this year also a member of the TRR259: The TRR259 member Dr. Sven Thomas Niepmann was awarded with the first prize (1.500€) for his work: “Cyclodextrin reduces aortic valve stenosis development in mice” |
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Publication about pulmonary hypertension associated with left-sided heart failure
September 21, 2020
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Pulmonary hypertension associated with left-sided heart failure Pulmonary hypertension is a common phenomenon in heart failure patients that is highly relevant for morbidity and outcome. Although postcapillary in nature, the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in patients with heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction is complex, and decisions about management strategies remain challenging. Recently, the hemodynamic definitions and subclassification of postcapillary pulmonary hypertension have been revisited. The distinction between isolated postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (IpcPH) and combined post and precapillary pulmonary hypertension (CpcPH) and their definition are essential. Novel data on the prognostic impact of hemodynamic variables and right ventricular function highlight the importance of cardiopulmonary interaction in patients with left-sided heart failure (LHF). Furthermore, the impact of management strategies including medical therapy, remote hemodynamic monitoring, and interventional approaches on hemodynamics and outcome has recently been investigated. Here, the group of Joana Adler et. al critically review recent developments and future considerations in this field, and highlight distinct treatment strategies targeting the underlying left heart condition, the pulmonary circulation, and/or impaired right ventricular function. | |
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Publication: Adler J, Gerhardt F, Wissmüller M, Adler C, Baldus S, Rosenkranz S. Pulmonary hypertension associated with left-sided heart failure. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2020 Sep 21. doi: 10.1097/HCO.0000000000000791. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32969856
Open PhD-postion
The Institute of Physiology I invites applications for a PhD position - Endothelial disease mechanisms
You can find more information here.
Publication about Nitro-fatty acids and their influence in ischemic ventricular arrhythmias
September 18, 2020
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Nitro-fatty acids suppress ischemic ventricular arrhythmias by preserving calcium homeostasis Nitro-fatty acids are electrophilic anti-inflammatory mediators which are generated during myocardial ischemic injury. Whether these species exert anti-arrhythmic effects in the acute phase of myocardial ischemia has not been investigated so far. The group of Martin Mollenhauer et. al demonstrate that pretreatment of mice with 9- and 10-nitro-octadec-9-enoic acid (nitro-oleic acid, NO2-OA) significantly reduced the susceptibility to develop acute ventricular tachycardia (VT). Accordingly, epicardial mapping revealed a markedly enhanced homogeneity in ventricular conduction. NO2-OA treatment of isolated cardiomyocytes lowered the number of spontaneous contractions upon adrenergic isoproterenol stimulation and nearly abolished ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2)-dependent sarcoplasmic Ca2+ leak. NO2-OA also significantly reduced RyR2-phosphorylation by inhibition of increased CaMKII activity. Thus, NO2-OA might be a novel pharmacological option for the prevention of VT development.
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NO2-OA prevents acute ischemia induced ventricular tachycardias.
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Publication: Mollenhauer M, Mehrkens D, Klinke A, Lange M, Remane L, Friedrichs K, Braumann S, Geißen S, Simsekyilmaz S, Nettersheim FS, Lee S, Peinkofer G, Geisler AC, Geis B, Schwoerer AP, Carrier L, Freeman BA, Dewenter M, Luo X, El-Armouche A, Wagner M, Adam M, Baldus S, Rudolph V.
Nitro-fatty acids suppress ischemic ventricular arrhythmias by preserving calcium homeostasis. Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 18;10(1):15319. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71870-6. PMID: 32948795.
Publication about hnRNPU and its function
July 02, 2020
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The RNA-binding protein hnRNPU regulates the sorting of microRNA-30c-5p into large extracellular vesicles The transfer of microRNAs (miRs) via extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a functionally relevant mechanism of intercellular communication that regulates both organ homoeostasis and disease development. Little is known about the packaging of miRs into EVs. Previous studies have shown that certain miRs are exported by RNA-binding proteins into small EVs, while for other miRs and for large EVs, in general, the export mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, a proteomic analysis of endothelial cell-derived large EVs was performed, which revealed that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNPU) is abundantly present in EVs. The specific role of hnRNPU for vesicular miR-sorting was confirmed independently by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. In summary the group of Felix Jansen (AG Jansen), Zietzer and Hosen et. al. could show that hnRNPU retains miR-30c-5p and other miRs and thereby prevents their export into large EVs. The data presented provide a novel and functionally relevant mechanism of vesicular miR export. |
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Graphical summary of the study results (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20013078.2020.1786967)
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Publication: Andreas Zietzer, Mohammed Rabiul Hosen, Han Wang, Philip Roger Goody, Marc Sylvester, Eicke Latz, Georg Nickenig, Nikos Werner & Felix Jansen
The RNA-binding protein hnRNPU regulates the sorting of microRNA-30c-5p into large extracellular vesicles; Journal of Extracellular Vesicles 2020 Jul 02, 9:1, 1786967, DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2020.1786967
Publication: Receptor makes mice strong and slim
June 25, 2020
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Adenosine/A2B Receptor Signaling Ameliorates the Effects of Aging and Counteracts Obesity Increasing abdominal girth and shrinking muscles are two common side effects of aging. Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a receptor in mice that regulates both effects. Experiments with human cell cultures suggest that the corresponding signaling pathways might also exist in humans. The study, which also involved researchers from Spain, Finland, Belgium, Denmark and the USA, has now been published in the renowned journal "Cell Metabolism"
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Publication: Thorsten Gnad, Gemma Navarro, Minna Lahesmaa, Laia Reverte-Salisa, Francesca Copperi, Arnau Cordomi, Jennifer Naumann, Aileen Hochhäuser, Saskia Haufs-Brusberg, Daniela Wenzel, Frank Suhr, Naja Zenius Jespersen, Camilla Scheele, Volodymyr Tsvilovskyy, Christian Brinkmann, Joern Rittweger, Christian Dani, Mathias Kranz, Winnie Deuther-Conrad, Holger K. Eltzschig, Tarja Niemi, Markku Taittonen, Peter Brust, Pirjo Nuutila, Leonardo Pardo, Bernd K. Fleischmann, Matthias Blüher, Rafael Franco, Wilhelm Bloch, Kirsi A. Virtanen, Alexander Pfeifer
Adenosine/A2B receptor signaling ameliorates the effects of ageing and counteracts obesity. Cell Metabolism, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2020.06.006
Publication about MicroRNAs as master regulators of Atherosclerosis
June 8, 2020
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MicroRNAs As Master Regulators of Atherosclerosis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutic Options The Department of Internal Medicine II from the University Bonn published a new paper about microRNAs (miRNAs) as master regulators of atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular disease remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are indications that atherosclerosis and its sequelae, coronary artery disease, contribute to the majority of cardiovascular death. It was shown that small RNAs, especially micro RNAs (miRNAs) are dynamic regulators of disease pathogenesis. They are considered to be central during the regulation of gene expression through numerous mechanisms and provide a means to develop biomarkers and therapeutic tools for the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerosis. MiRNAs represent a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring of cardiovascular disease.
Publication: Mohammed Rabiul Hosen, Philip Roger Goody, Andreas Zietzer, Georg Nickenig, and Felix Jansen MicroRNAs As Master Regulators of Atherosclerosis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutic Options; Antioxidants & Redox Signaling; 8 Jun 2020; https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2020.8107
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Copyright 2020, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers |
Publication about Hot spot 19F magnetic resonance imaging of inflammation
May 07, 2020
Hot spot 19F magnetic resonance imaging of inflammation
Among the preclinical molecular imaging approaches, lately fluorine (19F) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has garnered significant scientific interest in the biomedical research community, due to the unique properties of fluorinated materials and the 19F nucleus. Fluorine is an intrinsically sensitive nucleus for MRI—there is negligible endogenous 19F in the body and, thus, no background signal which allows the detection of fluorinated materials as “hot spots” by combined 1H/19F MRI and renders fluorine‐containing molecules as ideal tracers with high specificity. In addition, perfluorocarbons are a family of compounds that exhibit a very high fluorine payload and are biochemically as well as physiologically inert. Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (PFCs) are well known to be readily taken up by immunocompetent cells, which can be exploited for the unequivocal identification of inflammatory foci by tracking the recruitment of PFC‐loaded immune cells to affected tissues using 1H/19F MRI. The required 19F labeling of immune cells can be accomplished either ex vivo by PFC incubation of isolated endogenous immune cells followed by their re‐injection or by intravenous application of PFCs for in situ uptake by circulating immune cells. With both approaches, inflamed tissues can unambiguously be detected via background‐free 19F signals due to trafficking of PFC‐loaded immune cells to affected organs. To extend 19F MRI tracking beyond cells with phagocytic properties, the PFC surface can further be equipped with distinct ligands to generate specificity against epitopes and/or types of immune cells independent of phagocytosis. Recent developments also allow for concurrent detection of different PFCs with distinct spectral signatures allowing the simultaneous visualization of several targets, such as various immune cell subtypes labeled with these PFCs. Since ligands and targets can easily be adapted to a variety of problems, this approach provides a general and versatile platform for inflammation imaging which will strongly extend the frontiers of molecular MRI.
Picture: Labelling approaches for 19F MRI (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wnan.1639)
Publication: Pascal Bouvain, Sebastian Temme, Ulrich Flögel
Hot spot 19F magnetic resonance imaging of inflammation; Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol. 2020 May 07;e1639. doi:10.1002/wnan.1639
Publication about Thymic stromal lymphopoietin in atherogenesis
April 13, 2020
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Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is a key cytokine for the immunomodulation of atherogenesis with Freund's adjuvant Adaptive immune responses regulate the development of atherosclerosis, with a detrimental effect of type 1 but a protective role of type 2 immune responses. Immunization of Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice with Freund's adjuvant inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
Publication: Martin Steinmetz, Ludivine Laurans, Sarah Nordsiek, Lena Weiß, Bieke van der Veken, Padmapriya Ponnuswamy, Bruno Esposito, Marie Vandestienne, Andreas Giraud, Cristina Göbbel, Eva Steffen, Tobias Radecke, Stephane Potteaux, Georg Nickenig, Tienush Rassaf, Alain Tedgui, Ziad Mallat; Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is a key cytokine for the immunomodulation of atherogenesis with Freund's adjuvant; Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2020;00:1–9; DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15235
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TRR259 Retreat November 11-12, 2020
November 11-12, 2020 in the Biomedical Center Bonn
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Location Biomedical Center Bonn |
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Fuji Visualsonic Seminar April 2, 2020
April 2, 2020 in Bonn, University Hospital Bonn
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Join the Photoacoustic Imaging Workshop with the Vevo3000 from Fuji Visualsonic. Learn how the system works and track changes in myocardial oxygen saturation in real-time.
When? April 2, 2020 during the morning Where? via live stream (please contac Marta Stei: marta.stei(at)ukbonn.de) |
(c) https://www.visualsonics.com/product/imaging-systems/vevo-lazr-x |
More information: https://www.visualsonics.com/event/workshops/photoacoustic-imaging-workshop-vevo-lazr-x
Publication about Aortic Valve Stenosis in ATVB
March 12, 2020
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Aortic Valve Stenosis – From Basic Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutic Targets Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is the most common acquired heart valve disease in the western world. The morbidity and mortality associated with AVS is tremendous and the 2-year mortality rate is around 50%. A complex process of endothelial dysfunction, immune cell infiltration, myofibroblastic and osteoblastic differentiation and subsequently calcification leads to remodeling and thickening of the aortic valve cups. The changes results in valve obstruction. The underlying pathophysiology of calcification are still unclear and no pharmacotherapy has been established to prevent aortic valve calcification. This review summarizes the current knowledge of pathomechanisms involved in aortic valve calcification and points out novel treatment strategies.
Publication: Philip Roger Goody, Mohammed Rabiul Hosen, Dominik Christmann, Sven Thomas Niepmann, Andreas Zietzer, Matti Adam, Florian Bönner, Sebastian Zimmer, Georg Nickenig, Felix Jansen: Aortic Valve Stenosis – From Basic Mechanisms to Novel Therapeutic Targets; Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology 2020;40:885–900; DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.119.313067 |
© 2020 American Heart Association, Inc. |
1st International Symposium March 12, 2020
March 12, 2020 in Bonn
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Speaker Date and Time
Location |
(c) Giacomo Zucca/Bundesstadt Bonn
(c) Marika Enders, Simon Görgen, Giacomo Zucca/Bundesstadt Bonn |
Kick-Off-Meeting St. Goar November 8-10, 2019
November 8 – 9, 2020
The TRR259 starts with the yearly Kick-Off-Meeting to familiarize the new members of the integrated research group members and to facilitate their entry into the TRR259.
The Kick-Off-Meeting took place at the Schloss Rheinfels in St. Goar from November 8-10, 2019.
The program of the event included lectures from every project of the TRR259 a meeting of the iRTG-members and a hiking tour to the Loreleyblick.
For more information and pictures of the event click here.
(c) Marika Enders
