Research Unit: Ion channels & metabolism

Our group focuses on ion channels embedded in the pulmonary vasculature and their alterations through the metabolomic fingerprint of pulmonary vascular diseases. Along the way, we have described for the first time the unique two-pore domain ion channels TASK -1 / KCNK3 in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle, which are now recognised as a possible cause of the hereditary form of PAH. This work led to the appointment of Andrea Olschewski into the Task force on pathology and pathobiology of the 6th and 7th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension, responsible for the current international guidelines. We are currently working on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers based on a broad metabolomics approach with machine learning analysis for pulmonary vascular disease and the interaction of these biomarkers with ion channels. Our work has resulted in several patents aimed at improving the care and therapy of our patients.