FIB-AGE · Untangling fibroblast plasticity in vascular ageing

Vascular ageing is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, but effective treatment for fibrotic effects of vascular ageing is lacking. Recent studies show that fibroblasts exhibit physiological and pathological functions beyond their central role in fibrosis. Supporting this view of the field, the host lab recently showed great intra-vascular fibroblast plasticity in atherosclerotic and ageing murine arteries. We hypothesize that vascular dysfunction and fibrosis with ageing originate from altered fibroblast plasticity and function.As part of my career restart, I will join an excellent laboratory, globally recognized for its expertise in advanced vascular biology research, embedded in a modern research institute, equipped with outstanding training facilities. I will combine my acquired scientific, technical and management skills with the infrastructure and expertise of the host lab to comprehensively study ageing-related fibroblast plasticity and to reveal the function of distinct fibroblast subsets in vascular function and ageing. I will combine the hosts cutting-edge high throughput techniques, including single cell sequencing and a newly established fibroblast functionality screening platform (FIBROSCREEN), with my expertise in vascular contractility assessment. I will study fibroblast function and plasticity in vivo, in vitro and in interventional studies ex vivo, in so far unimaginable detail. By sophisticated integration of this obtained data, I will identify key fibroblast players promoting vascular ageing and dysfunction. With this strategy, I will be the first to reveal subsets of fibroblasts in vascular ageing, to couple their function to vascular ageing progression and to suggest first interventional targets for future exploitation. Together with career guidance by the host, concomitant training opportunities, and a clear plan for dissemination this will ensure my integration into European academia as an independent researcher.