News & Events
DGK research grant: Dr. Mohammed Rabiul Hosen
January 2021
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
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
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” |
Publication about pulmonary hypertension associated with left-sided heart failure
September 21, 2020
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
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
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
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
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
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
Location Biomedical Center Bonn |
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Fuji Visualsonic Seminar April 2, 2020
April 2, 2020 in Bonn, University Hospital Bonn
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
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
Speaker Date and Time
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(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