Lipids and Cardiovascular Pathology

Our group focuses its activity on the cardiovascular area and novel molecular mechanisms involved in vascular and myocardial cholesterol accumulation and new circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. We have designed new compounds that inhibit deregulated cholesterol uptake by vascular cells and cardiomyocytes. We have available humanized models of atherosclerosis and heart failure, useful for conducting proof-of-concept studies on the efficacy of new monoclonal antibodies and peptides, as well as an innovative artificial vessel system, which will enable the assessment of the pro-atherogenic potential of sera and LDLs from patients.

Main Lines of Research

• Identification of new connecting axes of cardiac and hepatic functionality and their consequences in the regulation of metabolism and body weight. (Llorente Cortes, Concepcion Vicenta).
• Applicability of LRP1-based assets for the treatment of pancreatic càncer. (Llorente Cortes, Concepcion Vicenta).
• Development of innovative LRP1-based peptides against Tau fibrillation. (Llorente Cortes, Concepcion Vicenta).
• Development of humanized anti-LRP1 monoclonal antibodies to comprehensively block atherosclerosis and heart failure. (Llorente Cortes, Concepcion Vicenta).
• Integration of clinical, experimental data (in vitro and in vivo models) and modeling to improve the prediction of atherosclerotic plaque progression towards clinical events. (Llorente Cortes, Concepcion Vicenta).

Scientific Challenges

• To develop new therapeutic tools targeting intracellular cholesteryl ester accumulation in vascular, cardiac, and tumor cells to improve the treatment of patients with cardiovascular and metabolic alterations.
• To identify new circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Contact

Vicenta Llorente-Cortes
cllorente@santpau.cat