human pluripotent stem cell and primary cell models for cardiovascular disease

Our group studies cardiac microvascular dysfunction as an independent driver of heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, moving beyond the traditional cardiomyocyte-centered view. We investigate the disrupted crosstalk between microvascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and the extracellular matrix, integrating cellular, tissue, and clinical data in a "clinical trial in a dish" framework. Using explanted human hearts and patient-specific hiPSC-derived endothelial cells, we combine automated microscopy, multiomics. Our work aims to uncover novel microvascular pathomechanisms, establish a translational drug-testing platform, and identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets-supporting personalised risk stratification and treatment in heart failure.