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Functional Genomics gets a major boost at the ICG

The Institute for Cardiogenetics at the University of Lübeck is thrilled to announce a major grant from the Corona-Stiftung. The fund is dedicated to supporting the innovative work of Dr. Redouane Aherrarhou, a trailblazing researcher who, under the mentorship of Prof. Jeanette Erdmann, will establish his independent junior research group to take a novel approach to understanding coronary artery disease (CAD). The research project, entitled “Dissecting Sex Differences in Coronary Artery Calcification with System Genetics”, aims to illuminate the complex genetic interplay behind coronary artery calcification (CAC) – a phenomenon strongly associated with CAD and fatal plaque rupture.

Physiological Reviews Podcasts

Genetic research, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), plays an increasingly crucial role in studying the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Deputy Editor Dr. Carol Ann Remme conducts an interview with authors Prof. Jeanette Erdmann (University of Lübeck, Germany) and Prof. Connie Bezzina (Amsterdam University Medical Center, Netherlands) about their latest Review published in Physiological Reviews by Walsh et al. GWAS focus on identifying genetic variations associated with specific traits, and it is imperative to investigate these variations to comprehend an individual’s susceptibility to particular diseases. Unraveling the genetic foundation of a disease can facilitate the discovery of therapeutic targets for clinical interventions. The experts delve into the application of GWAS in studying rare disorders like Brugada Syndrome, as well as common disorders such as myocardial infarction. The potential applications of GWAS are extensive, ranging from unveiling novel insights into the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease to potentially developing clinically applicable polygenic risk scores in the future. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these topics.

https://physrev.podbean.com/e/genome-wide-association-studies-of-cardiovascular-disease/

Research.com

Research.com, a prominent academic platform for researchers, has recently published the 2023 Edition of their Ranking of Best Scientists in Genetics. We are thrilled to have been informed that Jeanette Erdmann has been ranked #397 in the world ranking and #21 in Germany. Additionally, she has been awarded the Genetics Leader Award for 2023. The ranking is based on the D-index metric, which considers only papers and citation values for the examined discipline. The ranking includes only leading scientists with a D-index of at least 40 for academic publications in Genetics. Congratulations!

A Look Back at the 10-Year Anniversary Event of the Institute for Cardiogenetics

On May 5 and 6, 2023, the Institute for Cardiogenetics (ICG) celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special event held at the University of Lübeck [1]. The two-day event took place at the CBBM and BMF Building in Marie-Curie-Straße, 23562 Lübeck [3].

The 10-year anniversary event was a momentous occasion, looking back at the progress made in cardiovascular research over the past decade and discussing the future of the field. Attendees had the opportunity to listen to various speakers, engage in discussions, and network with fellow professionals and researchers.

Some highlights of the event included presentations by renowned experts in the field of cardiogenetics, panel discussions on the latest developments and research findings, and a showcase of the institute’s achievements over the past ten years.

We got quite positive feedback that the event was well-organized and attended by a diverse group of professionals, academics, and students in the field of cardiogenetics. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and a shared passion for advancing cardiovascular research.

All in all, we feel that the 10-year anniversary event of the Institute for Cardiogenetics was a resounding success. It provided a platform for professionals and researchers in the field to come together, share their knowledge, and discuss the future of cardiogenetics. We did not only celebrate the past achievements of the institute but also set the stage for further advancements in cardiovascular research.

A new MD in town – unfortunately not in Lübeck

On June 24, 2022 Svenja Vishnolia has very successfully defended her MD thesis “Allele-specific RNA-targeted therapy as a treatment strategy for Col6-CMD”. Svenja is the first to complete her doctoral thesis on Collagen-6. She did a fantastic job. 
It was a wonderful talk and an impressive Q&A session. Congratulations!

New partner site speakers for NCCR

Effectively, January 1st 2022, the DZHK partner site NCCR has a new speaker and deputy speakers.

Speaker:
Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Blankenberg (UKE Hamburg)
Deputy Speakers:
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jeanette Erdmann (ICG Lübeck)
Prof. Dr. med. Derk Frank (UKSH Kiel)

Congrats from CureCMD

A special pleasure was the congratulations from CureCMD.

Cure CMD was founded in 2008 by three parents whose children were affected by Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Through close collaboration with researchers, clinicians, families, and generous supporters, Cure CMD has achieved significant impact in its first decade as a nonprofit organization:

  • Launched two clinical trials 

  • Completed a five year natural history study with the NIH to identify clinical trial endpoints

  • Grew the Congenital Muscle Disease International Registry (CMDIR) to more than 3,000 registrants worldwide

  • Co-Funded over $3 million in research grants

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