Our Research Focus

Welcome to the fascinating world of RNA wonderland, where mysteries are unraveled and groundbreaking discoveries are made every day.

Nestled within the Department of Cardiovascular Research at the Heidelberg University lies a hub of international, multidisciplinary, highly motivated, ambitious, award-winning young researchers coupled with continuous thirst for innovation and excellence - the Stellos Lab.
Specializing in the intricate interplay among vascular biology, RNA biology, immunology, cardiometabolic and inflammatory diseases, the lab's mission is to decode the secrets of the RNA wonderland in the context of controlling cardiometabolic and inflammatory disorders.

What sets Stellos Lab apart is its holistic approach to research. By bridging the gap between various disciplines, the lab is able to uncover unique insights and avenues for exploration.

From training the next generation of research students to identifying novel therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers, Stellos Lab is at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

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Research Area A

ImmunoVascular Control of Health and Disease

Cardiometabolic diseases have common traits like endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms involved in their development are not well understood. Endothelial cells play a key role in the progression of these diseases by interacting with immune cells. The lab aims to understand how endothelial cells control immune responses to metabolic stress.

Selected publications from our lab:

1) Gatsiou A et al. The RNA editor ADAR2 promotes immune cell trafficking by enhancing endothelial responses to interleukin-6 during sterile inflammation. Immunity. 2023 May 9;56(5):979-997.e11

2) Vlachogiannis N et al. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing contributes to type I interferon responses in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun. 2021 Dec:125:102755.

Research Area B

RNA in Systems Biology and Medicine

The Immunovascular RNA Research Lab investigates how adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing may affect gene expression of key molecules required for the development and progression of vascular, heart and immune disorders.

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Selected publications from our lab:

1) Gatsiou A, Stellos K. RNA modifications in cardiovascular health and disease. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2023 May;20(5):325-346.

2) Vlachogiannis N et al. Adenosine-to-inosine Alu RNA editing controls the stability of the pro-inflammatory long noncoding RNA NEAT1 in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2021 Nov:160:111-120.

3) Vlachogiannis N et al. Increased adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing in rheumatoid arthritis. J Autoimmun. 2020 Jan:106:102329.

4) Stellos K et al. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing controls cathepsin S expression in atherosclerosis by enabling HuR-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. Nat Med. 2016 Oct;22(10):1140-1150.

Research Area C

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RNA Therapeutics

We are researching how RNA is regulated in cardiometabolic diseases. Our expertise in RNA biology and disease models and human cohort studies help us identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic diseases.

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Selected publications from our lab:

1) Gatsiou A et al. The RNA editor ADAR2 promotes immune cell trafficking by enhancing endothelial responses to interleukin-6 during sterile inflammation. Immunity. 2023 May 9;56(5):979-997.e11

2) Stamatelopoulos K et al. Cathepsin S Levels and Survival Among Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022 Sep 6;80(10):998-1010.

Research Area D

Longevity

To investigate the impact of blood and vascular signals on age-related diseases, researchers use liquid tissue biopsies, primary immune or endothelial cells, and advanced RNA technologies such as nanopore direct long RNA sequencing. The effectiveness of new disease biomarkers is validated in human cohort studies, demonstrating their potential for clinical use. Our goal is to discover blood-based biomarkers that predict longevity (health- and lifespan) in humans and develop therapeutic studies to mitigate the ageing-related effects in the cardiovascular system.

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Selected publications from our lab:

1) Gatsiou A et al. Additive contribution of microRNA-34a/b/c to human arterial ageing and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis. 2021 Jun:327:49-58.

2) Stamatelopoulos K et al. Amyloid-β (1-40) and Mortality in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med. 2018 Jun 19;168(12):855-865.

3) Stamatelopoulos K et al. Amyloid-beta (1-40) and the risk of death from cardiovascular causes in patients with coronary heart disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015 Mar 10;65(9):904-16.