Treatment of vascular calcification

Soft tissue calcification is a common pathological process that is associated with aging. The build-up of calcium in the blood can lead to mineral deposits, particularly in the vascular system. This is due to a loss in control of factors in the blood that regulate mineral balance in the body. These deposits lead to a stiffening and/or occlusion of arterial walls, ultimately leading to or exacerbating multiple forms of cardiovascular disease.

In this project, we aim to elucidate how chemical probes can be used to perturb the calcification process on the nano-scale. The insights gained from this work could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from calcification disorders. The project is being performed in collaboration with Inositec AG.