About Us

We are currently working in the field of atherosclerosis, focusing on therapeutic strategies and the detailed study of lipid metabolism. We use molecular tools and in vitro and in vivo models to explore the roles of various apolipoproteins in modulating lipoprotein function, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic cross-talk, including their impact on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function in energy production.

Through our research, we aim to connect fundamental discoveries with real-world therapeutic advances in cardiovascular medicine. By integrating molecular insights with translational strategies, we attempt to shape innovative approaches to combat vascular diseases.

The research infrastructure is updated and includes the equipment needed for molecular biology (cloning, PCR, Real Time PCR, ChIP, electroporation, transfections), biochemistry (western blot, ELISA, spectrophotometric and luminescent assays), cell culture, adeno- and lentiviral production, packaging and transduction, cell encapsulation, lipoprotein fraction analysis (FPLC and Lipoprint).

Research infrastructure and services: https://eertis.eu/erlb-2300-000h-0702

Our group was deeply involved in collaborative research.

Currently, we are implementing the project "Comprehensive and personalized assessment of acute coronary syndrome by multiomic approach and artificial intelligence strategy" under the HORIZON-MSCA-2021-SE-01-01 CARDIOSCOPE Grant Agreement nº 101086397 (2023–2026), led by Dr. Paolo Magni (University of Milan). This project is an impressive opening between academic and private companies, and an excellent opportunity for collaborative research.

The project STROMA (PNRR contract 258/2023), led by Dr. Kyriakos Kypreos, is a fruitful collaboration between our team and Dr. Kypreos’ team: Strengthening Romanian competence in metabolic syndrome research by exploring the role of apolipoprotein A2 in dyslipidemia, obesity, and type II diabetes mellitus.

We were part of the international project Integrative Personal Omics Profiles in Glioblastoma Recurrence and Therapy Resistance – ERA-NET PerMed (2019–2022), with Anca Gafencu as the Coordinator for the Romanian team.

We have had a fruitful collaboration with Prof. Dimitris Kardassis (University of Crete, Greece), which began in 2002, when Anca Gafencu was a visiting fellow in Prof. Kardassis' lab under a NATO Science grant – Collaborative linkage grant: "Role of ApoE in cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis".

We were part of previous COST actions (HDLNet -BM0904), and we are actively participating in current COST actions: AtheroNet (CA 21153), CardioPharmaGENET (CA24165).

Scientific meetings and training courses

• 2007 – Advances in gene regulation (contract 016873/2005 - SERA)
• 2008 – From gene expression and protein activation to human diseases (contract 016873/2005 - SERA)
• 2012 – Simionescu Advanced School of Cellular and Molecular Approaches for the Progress of the Biomedical Research (Nov 5–14, supported by UEFISCDI)
• 2013 – “HDL Physiology, Regulation and Therapeutic Potential” (Bucharest and Sinaia, Aug 26–30; COST ACTION BM0904)
• 2021 – Encapsulation of cells and drugs: materials, processes, and applications (project INTERA1)
• 2023 – “The first COST Action CA 21153 AtheroNet MC and WG Meeting” (Bucharest, Mar 21–24; COST ACTION CA21153)