Preclinical modelling of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA)

In the beautiful Antwerp (Belgium), Prof. Verstraeten heads the Connective Tissue Experimental Omics (CONNEX) lab. Her team focuses on the use of functional genomics approaches to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in connective tissue disorders, with a particular emphasis on, but not restricted to, a Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome-like multi-system disease associated with bi‑allelic variants in IPO8. An important component of her team's research focus is the development and application of advanced iPSC‑derived model systems, including aorta‑on‑a‑chip microphysiological platforms. These human-based models are complemented by preclinical mouse models and, more recently, zebrafish models, enabling mechanistic validation and the identification of translational therapeutic targets and novel drugs.

The CONNEX lab is open to multidisciplinary and cross‑sector collaborations and interested in building complementary partnerships across academia and industry. The team brings strong expertise in PhD supervision, advanced training, and mentoring, and is keen to host international researchers, including staff exchanges and MSCA‑DN fellows.

For scientific exchange or collaboration opportunities, please contact Prof. Aline Verstraeten: aline.verstraeten@uantwerpen.be