Our recently formed laboratory focuses on the development of experimental models of cardiovascular disease in order to obtain knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the origin and progression of these diseases and to test the efficacy of novel interventions. Our studies span the molecular origins of disease and their manifestations at the macro anatomical and physiological levels. Our evaluation of experimental animal models makes use of advanced imaging techniques that can also be applied to humans, strengthening the translational potential of our research. To exploit this potential, we work on multi-disciplinary programs in close collaboration with hospitals and clinical researchers.

One of our major interests is cardioprotection during myocardial infarction (MI). In the initial phase of this project we are establishing different models of MI in rodents and large animals. These models will first be used to study the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of various cardioprotective strategies (mainly those related to the modulation of the adrenergic system). Once the advanced imaging equipment is fully installed at the CNIC, it will serve as a translational tool to confirm the mechanistic findings of the bench studies.

In our first year, we have already established collaborations with several hospitals and emergency medical services to carry out the imaging examinations for proof-of-principle clinical trials; and we are also participating in the European Commission funded HYPERImage project for the development of imaging technologies.