Cardiac insufficiency

Despite significant advances in diagnostics and therapy, cardiovascular diseases are still Germany's number one cause of death. However, the treatment of chronic heart failure is still unsatisfactory. This is due not least to the fact that the causes and development of this severe disease are poorly understood. An important role is played by β-adrenoceptors, which modulate the phosphorylation (and thus activity) of various target proteins via heterotrimeric G proteins. Still unclear, for example, is the role of inhibitory G proteins in general and the various G protein isoforms in particular. Our data and those of other groups suggest that Gαi2 deficiency exacerbates and/or accelerates the development of cardiac dysfunction, whereas Gαi3 deficiency prevents or at least delays this, i.e., has a protective effect.

Among others, target structures modulated by G proteins are voltage-regulated calcium channels. These are another focus of our research concerning cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Essential here is the investigation of cell culture and mouse models or cardiomyocytes isolated from them.

For further information, please get in touch with Priv.-Doz. Dr. Jan Matthes.