ICG – Research

At the Institute for Cardiogenetics at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Lübeck, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases with the aim of identifying innovative therapeutic targets and systematically advancing their clinical translation. Our integrative research approach combines genetic and molecular biology methods, bioinformatics, and clinical expertise.

Our core focus is identifying disease-relevant genes and variants through comprehensive multi-omics and clinical data analyses linked to cardiovascular phenotypes. We elucidate candidate gene functions in disease pathogenesis via functional studies in cellular and experimental models to define therapeutic targets. Employing a systemic, translational approach, we analyze large genomic and clinical datasets, considering individual and sex-specific differences. Functional validation is performed in primary human cells, iPSC-derived cardiovascular cell types, and preclinical models, where we evaluate targeted therapies—including RNA-based gene modulation—aimed at disease-relevant pathways.

Cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and vascular calcification are central to the Institute’s investigations, with special emphasis on inter-organ crosstalk—particularly between the heart and kidneys—and metabolic risk factors including diabetes and obesity.

Operating within an interdisciplinary network that integrates cardiovascular systems medicine and clinical partnerships, the Institute facilitates translation of molecular insights into clinically relevant questions.

The Institute is an integral part of the University Heart Center Lübeck (UHZL) and collaborates closely with the Clinic of Internal Medicine II, the Clinic of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery, , and Rhythmology. As a partner site of the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), we also maintain strong cooperation with DZHK partners across Germany.