GRK 2989:  Targeting Cellular Interfaces in Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 517043330

This proposed Research Training Group 2989 focuses on the role of distinct cellular interfaces in reperfused acute myocardial infarction. The cellular interfaces under investigation include components of (i) the immune system, (ii) vasculature, and (iii) cardiomyocytes. Hereby, new treatment options for patients with acute myocardial infarction will be characterized. A highly synergistic approach is essential to ensure excellent training for these goals. Successful implementation of new strategies can best be achieved by identifying a clinical problem, characterizing the underlying signaling pathways/cellular signatures, and immediately testing them in patients. This 'bed-to-bench-to-bed' principle is a unique feature of the proposed GRK. Each project will be led by one clinician and one basic scientist. The qualification concept utilizes this principle as well and relies on a very close interaction between the basic sciences and clinical medicine. PhD and MD students are accepted into the RTG, supervision of the students is carried out as a team consisting of a basic and a clinician scientist and an "Internal Advisory Board". The “Translational Mentoring Board” consisting of internal experts and the "External Scientific Advisory Board" consisting of several internationally renowned scientists from the field of cardiovascular diseases provide expert guidance to the doctoral researchers. Special attention is paid to interdisciplinary aspects and translation in all events of the program. The doctoral researchers will regularly participate in clinical hospitations, there will be 2-day methodological workshops in the different laboratories and a graduate seminar in which the participants can discuss their recent results in the group and with clinician and basic scientists. Additional structured, topic-related and personal qualification will be provided by events such as a lecture series, a journal club, a summer school, annual retreats, conference visits and soft skill workshops. There will also be the opportunity to do an internship in the pharmaceutical industry. Finally, the proposed RTG 2989 provides a dedicated gender/equality program.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Universität Duisburg-Essen
• Participating Institution: Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e.V.
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Tienush Rassaf
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Dobromir Dobrev; Professorin Dr. Anika Grüneboom; Professorin Dr. Wiebke Hansen; Professorin Dr. Ulrike Hendgen-Cotta; Professor Dr. Markus Kamler; Professorin Dr. Petra Kleinbongard; Professor Dr. Albert Sickmann; Professor Dr. Jens T. Siveke; Professor Dr. Matthias Totzeck; Professorin Dr. Astrid M. Westendorf