Clinical translation of the identified mediators affecting myocardial infarction and vascular calcification in CKD (C04)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 322900939

We contributed towards the elucidation of vascular calcification via the functional characterization of two novel calcification inhibitors, the peptides CBF and VIF. Also, we identified that post-translational modifications (PTMs) in CKD can increase calcification by modifying important calcification regulators. This project will (a) translate CBF and VIF peptide mimetics as therapeutic agents, (b) optimize strategies to scavenge PTMs using free amino acids to improve cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients, and (c) elucidate the molecular mechanisms of VIF-mediated cardioprotection in cardiac tissue to facilitate targeted drug development for CKD-associated CVD.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 219: Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Complications in Chronic Kidney Disease
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Dr. Adelina Baleanu-Curaj, since 1/2026; Professor Dr. Joachim Jankowski