Intern
    Institut für Anatomie und Zellbiologie

    Cardiac Biology

    Team: 

    Prof. Dr. C. Schinner     camilla.schinner@uni-wuerzburg.de

    The AG Cardiac Biology is investigating the fundamental mechanisms underlying genetic cardiomyopathies, with a particular focus on Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM). Our goal is to understand how disease-causing mutations lead to cardiac arrhythmias, fibrotic remodeling, and ultimately sudden cardiac death. We place special emphasis on uncovering early pathogenic processes and evaluating the therapeutic potential of protective and regenerative mechanisms.

     

    Research Projects

    Our research projects address different aspects of the disease cascade in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM):

     

    1. Early disease mechanisms:
    We integrate cardiac function data with spatio-temporal gene expression patterns to identify early molecular drivers of arrhythmias and cardiac fibrosis. Our goal is to pinpoint changes that occur in the very initial phases of ACM.

     

    2. Cell-type-specific mechanisms:
    We investigate the role of distinct cardiac cell subtypes in disease progression and how they modulate the ACM phenotype. Special focus is placed on intercellular communication and remodeling processes.

     

    3. Pro-adhesive therapeutic strategies:
    Based on our findings on defective cell-cell adhesion in ACM, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of compounds that restore adhesion and potentially counteract disease progression.

     

    4. Immune-mediated components:
    We assess the contribution of both circulating and tissue-resident immune factors and explore how targeted modulation could provide new therapeutic avenues.

     

    Key Techniques and Methods

    • Cardiomyopathy Models:
      2D and 3D stem cell-based heart models (cardioids), inducible transgenic mouse models
       
    • Molecular Profiling:
      Spatial transcriptomics and proteomics
       
    • Morphology / Imaging:
      Histology, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, confocal and high-resolution microscopy
       
    • Functional Analysis:
      Echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG)
       
    • Drug Screening:
      Adhesion-based screening of potential therapeutic compounds

    Key Publications