Mortality due to cardiovascular diseases is high and represents the predominant cause of death and morbidity in Western cultures. Lipid-lowering strategies have been very successful in combating the disease, but there are still many medical unmet needs. It has been sufficiently demonstrated that 'good cholesterol' (HDL-cholesterol) deserves more attention. Strategies to increase HDL-cholesterol levels are emerging and warrant further study. Millions of individuals world-wide are at increased risk of myocardial infarctions or stroke due rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Persons at risk can be identified on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions, such as a prior heart infaction, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.

Objectives:

• The functional analysis of novel genes and proteins and their validation as a drug target.
• The design and study of the efficacy of novel biological and chemical compounds.
• The development of relevant animal models to investigate the efficacy of potential drugs for the treatment of vascular diseases.
• The study of the formation of new blood vessels to compensate for insufficient supply of blood in infracted areas.