| |
Prof. Dr.
Ingrid Fleming
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Dimmeler
The scope of cardiovascular research in Frankfurt is extensive and integrates investigations at the molecular and cellular level, at the level of isolated organs, as well as in animal models and in humans (see Figure: Division II). This integrated approach is essential if novel therapeutic targets and/or strategies are to be developed; indeed, it is more than likely that future advances in cardiovascular research will depend heavily on the development of entirely new (and ideally individually tailored) therapies. Genomics and proteomics together with the completion of the human genome open up fresh horizons for the molecular understanding of cardiovascular disease, for identifying new diagnostic measurements and developing new pharmacological as well as gene and cell-based therapies. With the local and international collaborations linking cardiovascular research in Frankfurt with the rest of the world, we have assembled the necessary critical mass and access to innovative technology that is essential to promote multidisciplinary interactions. Our research armory includes genomics, proteomics, molecular and cell biology, gene transfer and genetic modification in mice, as well as physiology and integrative pathophysiology in man. However, we are currently far from realizing the full potential of modern scientific approaches and their applicability to medicine and the promises of discoveries/advances at the basic science level have yet to reach the goal of improving health. Currently a major limitation to the optimal utilization of the novel approaches and techniques available is the lack of thorough understanding of the possibilities associated with a given technology and the training of young scientists in the different specialties (e.g. biotechnology, biochemistry and pharmacology/toxicology) in combination with cardiovascular physiology and medicine.
Division II has strong links with the ECCPS excellence cluster initiative (a Joint Research Center between the universities of Giessen and Frankfurt and the Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung research in Bad Nauheim). The research projects to be studied by the members of FIRST performing their research within Division II are incorporated within the ECCPS framework. Each of the topics listed (see Figure: Division II)) reflects both an unmet medical need and an area in which great potential for progress in translational research is expected over the next ten to twenty years. Moreover, each area is characterized by a vertical approach to science that incorporates different levels of complexity from the analysis of molecular signatures and target structures to integrative biology, disease models and preclinical studies.
|
