Research Teams at the Cardio Metabolic Unit (CMU)
CMU is centered around a diverse array of research teams dedicated to understanding and addressing cardiometabolic diseases.
Team Parini
Led by Professor Paolo Parini (MD, PhD), this team focuses on translational research in lipoprotein, cholesterol, triglyceride, and bile acid metabolism, as well as the prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases. The group offers expertise in:
- Molecular and cell biology
- Biochemistry
- Chromatography
- Protein analysis
- Drug discovery
- Big data integration and data sciences
Team Morgantini
Led by Dr Cecilia Morgantini (MD, PhD), This team employs molecular and translational research methods to investigate the mechanisms by which immune cell activation influences the development and progression of diabetes complications and cardiovascular diseases.
Team Fan
Led by Docent Rongrong Fan (PhD), this group utilizes transcriptomic and epigenetic techniques, combined with genetically modified animal models and human samples, to understand how over-nutritional signals alter chromatin remodeling in cardiometabolic disease development. Key research areas include:
- Transcription factor and coregulator networks
- Chromatin regulatory regions in metabolic and immune cells
- Identification of novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets
Team Tillander
Dr. Veronika Tillander's research focuses on lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and dyslipidemia. The team conducts:
- Deep characterizations of lipidome changes in various tissues
- Targeted investigations of acyl-CoA thioesterases (ACOTs)
- Studies on the molecular impact of diet and nutrition on health
Team Andersson
This group, led by Docent Daniel Andersson (MD, PhD), investigates the role of adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and triglyceride turnover in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The team has expertise in:
- Academically driven and company sponsored randomized clinical trials
- Clinical translational studies
- Epidemiological studies using national/regional cohorts
Team Angelin
Led by senior professor Bo Angelin, this team focuses on translational research in lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic disease mechanisms, with special focus on human physiology and pathophysiology involving the enterohepatic circulation.
Specific expertise in:
- Phenotypic characterization of families with monogenic lipid disorders
- Genetic and molecular basis of congenital blood lipid disorders
- Modeling of human lipoprotein, cholesterol and bile acid metabolism
- Integrated regulation related to diurnal rhythm, diet and drug treatment
- Atherogenic lipoproteins in type 2 diabetes, aging and familial dyslipidemias
- Therapeutic target discovery projects
- Clinical and preclinical studies
- Advanced biochemical analyses
Team Brinck
Led by Docent Jonas Brinck (MD PhD) this clinical research team specializes in hereditary dyslipidemias and their cardiovascular consequences. Key research areas include:
Genetic lipid disorders: Familial hypercholesterolemia, elevated lipoprotein(a), and Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome
Clinical outcomes of dyslipidemias: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, Calcified aortic valve disease, Coronary blood flow capacity
The team employs:
- Epidemiological studies using national/regional cohorts
- Clinical trials (phase II-III) for lipid-lowering therapies
- Functional assessments of endothelial health
Team Tietge
Led by Professor Uwe Tietge, this translational research group investigates lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic disease mechanisms through:
- HDL functionality in cardiovascular protection
- Lipid-protein interactions in metabolic disorders
- Gut-liver axis in lipid homeostasis