Our group aims to unravel the molecular markers and key drivers of the heterogeneity observed in atherosclerotic plaques. We focus on spatial proteomics to characterise cellular context and plaque microenvironments, and we develop in-house deep learning–based imaging assays to quantify plaque morphology. By integrating these molecular and imaging data, we seek to build robust links between plaque composition and clinically relevant plaque phenotypes. Methodologically, we place a strong emphasis on statistical inference and machine learning for target prioritisation and multi-modal data integration.

Ultimately, resolving plaque heterogeneity will support the development of targeted, precision therapeutic strategies for patients with atherosclerotic disease.

The Vesselverse unifies clinical data with biomedical research.​

Our biobank has access to vascular tissue samples directly from the OR as well as from highly translational preclinical models. By characterizing        
and analyzing the samples with methods like bulk/single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics or proteomics, we are able to engage in cutting-   edge vascular research.​

Of course, we emphasize ethical responsibility in everything we do.​

Our goal is to establish a molecular database that provides a standardised reference for vascular research.

The goal of our group is to reconstruct human vascular disease in vitro by combining in-depth characterization of structural vascular cells with advanced bioengineered model systems.

We work with human samples from patients with vascular disease and focus on endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, which form the structural and functional backbone of the vessel wall. By profiling these cells at high resolution using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic approaches, we identify disease-specific and patient-specific cellular traits at the level of individual cells and their spatial organization within the vessel wall.

Based on this cellular characterization, we build advanced in vitro platforms, including artery- and aorta-on-chip models, in which patient-derived cellular features are reassembled to reproduce key aspects of human vascular pathology. Through close collaboration with Chair of Medical Materials (Prof. Petra Mela) and Implants at TUM, we aim to establish patient-specific disease models that enable mechanistic insight and support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.