Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology

Key characteristics

We strive to translate basic research findings into clinical applications and to approach clinical problems through fundamental and translational research. To his purpose, we make use of the principles & tools of (synthetic) biology, mathematics, engineering and medicine. These are applied to various complementary in silico (computer-based), in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models for studies on increasing levels of complexity, i.e from molecule to whole organism. Of particular interest is the use of viral vectors to investigate the consequences of inhibiting or stimulating the expression of specific genes, and for translational research aimed at developing (synthetic) biomedical interventions, like cardiac gene therapy. We are particularly interested in gain-of-novel functions like those obtained upon optogenetic engineering of the heart, i.e. generation of endogenous photocurrents for arrhythmia termination. The diverse technical skills and theoretical knowledge required for this type of integrative research is provided by a research team consisting of people with different scientific backgrounds and expertise varying from electrophysiology, biophysics, engineering and mathematics to cardiology, cell biology and virology. Our long-term collaboration with the Delft Technical University is key in providing the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment to realize such an interdisciplinary approach.

Facilities

The Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology is located on the 4^th floor of the LUMC and possesses state-of-the-art facilities for the transient and permanent genetic modification of cells, tissues and organs by viral gene transfer systems including adeno-associated virus and lentivirus vectors. In addition, all necessary readout-systems are present for studying the effects of specific (optogenetic) interventions, including polymerase chain reaction analyses, flow cytometry, immunocytology, Western-blotting, immunohistology and histochemistry as well as electrophysiological measurements and heart function assessments. The electrical properties of cells, tissues and the whole heart are investigated using whole-cell patch-clamp, multi-electrode array, optical mapping and electrocardiographic techniques. Heart function is measured using echocardiography, micro-magnetic resonance imaging and by the assessment of pressure-volume relationships with the aid of a conductance catheter.

Current research projects

We have received financial support from The European Research Council, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Dutch Heart Foundation, Ammodo,The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, and The Royal Netherlands Academy for Arts and Sciences.