Mechanisms of Thrombus Resolution
Keywords
vascular occlusion, gene expression, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, intimal hyperplasia, plexiform lesions
Research interest of the Faculty Member
Dr.Lang is interested in the molecular mechanisms of vascular occlusion, and conversely, in mechanisms conferring the maintenance of vascular patency. Dr Lang has been utilizing two models of human disease, one being pulmonary vascular occlusion as the consequence of acute venous thromboembolism, and the other being acute coronary plaque rupture in the course of human acute coronary syndrome. In that respect, the vascular remodelling of thrombosis and mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque rupture, or similar concepts, have been subjects of Dr Lang’s previous studies. It is Dr Lang’s goal to understand commonalities between the arterial and venous compartments with respect to vascular inflammation, endothelial function, endothelial targets for circulating cells, innate immunity and endothelial cell function, phospholipids and angiogenesis.
Collaborating research groups where PhD Students could perform their research stay
Dr. Klaus Preissner, Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine Justus-Liebig-University Friedrichstr. 24 35392 Giessen
Dr Tim Morris, UC San Diego Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine • 9300 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
Know-how and infrastructure of the research group
Dr Irene Lang’s laboratory is a vascular biology facility. In collaboration with Drs Johannes Jakowitsch, Michael Humenberger, Maria Klara Renner, Sherin Puthenkalam, Andreas Mangold, Mag Adelheid Panzenböck and Veronika Seidl, a technical assistant, extensive experience in harvesting, fixation and analysis of vascular tissues, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical imaging methods, real time PCR, volumetry and microscopic planimetry techniques has been gained over the years. Furthermore, Dr Lang’s group is entertaining animal models of venous thrombosis, employing transgenic animals. Dr Lang also entertains a clinical group with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pulmonary vascular disease and coronary heart disease. Over the years, this group has accomplished several important findings, e.g. the connection of splenectomy with thrombus persistence, or the relationship between infection and misguided vascular remodeling of thrombus resolution.
The laboratory of Dr Lang is fully equipped including a microscope with fluoresence unit (BX51, Olympus) and an Axio cam and software (Zeiss) for digital image analysis, two Real-Time PCR cyclers (ABI Prism 7000 and 7500, Applied Biosystems), two PCR cyclers with gradient function (Eppendorf) and all other equipment needed for the molecular and histologic analysis projected. Full access to personal computers equipped with all software needed for this project is also granted. Dr Lang and her team are well experienced in the conduct of scientific projects. In addition to her scientific experience, Dr Lang serves as the deputy curriculum director of the PhD studies at the Medical University of Vienna and as the deputy director of the clinical Division of Cardiology.