A major focus of the Cellular Biophysics and Translational Cardiology Section are molecularly defined mechanisms and pathways, which control heart muscle function and underlie key pathophysiological changes associated with a variety of frequent and rare cardiovascular diseases. We use a broad spectrum of techniques including biophysical methods related to electrophysiology, cell biology with a focus on atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, molecular biology (e.g. cloning of expression plasmids and fusion proteins), high-resolution imaging (confocal and super-resolution STED microscopy), and transgenic models established by gene-editing strategies and analyzed by comprehensive phenotyping methods. Calcium-regulatory and calcium-regulated proteins are our central interest including Ryanodine Receptor (RyR) calcium release channels, Phospholamban, and Dysferlin, as well as their pathogenic mutations in humans. We also develop new classes of Multi-Targeted Drug Substances (MTDS) to mitigate dysregulated intracellular calcium signaling for example in the context of different forms heart failure and arrhythmia.

We are a founding member of the Excellence Cluster “Multi-scale Bioimaging – from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC). Our campus-wide activities include, but are not limited to, the understanding of voltage-dependent calcium channel regulation through ion channel clustering, the role of different Ferlin proteins for vesicle fusion and membrane repair, and the development and application of innovative imaging techniques through interdisciplinary collaborations in academia and industry. We develop and apply a variety of advanced mass spectrometry workflows, for instance affinity proteomics and proximity proteomics, in close collaboration with the Service Unit Proteomics. The biomedical spectrum of available models includes human stem cells and bioengineered tissues, cardiac and neuronal tissues, and patient samples. Through the Hertha Sponer College and the Heart and Brain graduate school GRK 2428 we promote advanced support structures for M.Sc./Ph.D and cand. med. doctoral tracks, and scientific-to-biomedical exchange throughout academic career tracks.