Translational Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging (TCMI) research group

AG-Junior Research Group Leader James T. Thackeray, PhD

Our group focuses on the application of molecular imaging to gain new mechanistic insights into the progression of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, heart failure and ischemic stroke. We develop molecular imaging assays to serially investigate pathophysiological changes in the tissue microenvironment and use these techniques non-invasively to test new repair and regeneration mechanisms.

In addition, we are particularly interested in organ-organ interaction, especially to test to what extent other distant organs (e.g. the brain) are also affected after damage to one organ (e.g. the heart). Using whole-body imaging, we determine systematic changes at the inflammatory, fibrotic and neurohumoral level in the target and reciprocal organ; the image information obtained is then used to guide therapeutic interventions in the sense of a holistic therapeutic approach.

The Translational Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging group considers preclinical cardiology and preclinical imaging as an essential basis for applications in the Clinical Department; therefore, the translation of our preclinical results into clinical practice is an important concern for us.

Lab Members

Annika Heß, PhD student
Tobias Borchert, PhD student
Aylina Glasenapp, PhD student
Nele Hermanns, PhD student

Former Lab Members

Dr. Pablo Bascuñana, Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Luciano Oliveira, PhD student (Brazil)