CRC1366

During cardiogenesis highly specialized endothelial cell (EC) types are generated, which play distinct roles in heart development, function and homeostasis. The objective of the proposed research is to understand the molecular determinants and the role of biomechanical stimuli in EC fate and plasticity as well as the instructive role of the distinct EC populations in controlling heart structure and function. Using in vivo and cell culture based model systems in combination with epigenomics and transcriptomics approaches we aim to unravel the regulatory networks governing EC fate and plasticity, and identify angiocrine signals as promising therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.