Molecular Cardiology 

Group leader: Professor Håvard Attramadal

The research spans from biochemical structure-activity studies of target proteins, cell biologic studies, to experimental studies in appropriate disease models in genetically engineered mice. Several ongoing studies focus on CCN proteins, a family of matricellular proteins/growth factors that has been shown to be involved in tissue repair mechanisms and fibrosis. We have recently uncovered that these proteins are secreted as preproproteins that requires proteolytic processing following secretion from cells in order to become biologically active

Integrated Cardiovascular Function 

Group leader: Helge Skulstad

The general objective is to gain new insights into mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and to develop new imaging modalities which quantify disease processes and cardiac function. The research activities investigate mechanisms of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and development of better methods for selecting patients for CRT, and mechanisms of LV diastolic dysfunction to develop better diagnostic methods of diastolic heart failure.

Experimental Cell Transplantation

Group leader: Senior Scientist Hanne Scholz

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by destruction of the alpha- and beta cells in the pancreas. In spite of optimal insulin therapy periods of hyperglycemia induce serious vascular- and neurological complications that need addressing. The research group has a clear translational approach with projects ranging from clinical trials and outcome studies, experimental islets biology and cell transplant studies to advanced in vitro studies.

Vilhelm Magnus Laboratory for Neurosurgical Research 

Group leader: Professor Einar Osland Vik-Mo

The Vilhelm Magnus Laboratory (VML) is a translational research group for neurosurgery at Oslo University Hospital. We explore the biology underlying neurosurgical conditions and our research efforts encompass both normal and cancer cells from the human brain. It is thought that stem cells in glioblastoma are critically important in resistance to therapy. Therefore, there is a strong rationale to target these cells in order to develop new molecular therapies. The group has already identified differentially expressed cell properties including genes and signaling proteins that may have potential as new and specific targets for treatment of glioblastoma.

Experimental Orthopaedic Research

Group leader: Professor Lars Nordsletten

Musculoskeletal injuries are a main cause of disability worldwide affecting people of all ages. The Experimental Orthopedic Research (EOR) group applies experimental methods on different aspects of orthopedics. These include research on biopsies, joint fluid, bones and cell culture studies. Mechanical testing of structures has been one of the main research methods. The experimental work in the laboratory is closely connected to ongoing or planned clinical studies, aiming to improve orthopedic patient care.

Vascular biology and tissue engineering

Group leader: Professor Jonny Hisdal

Tissue engineering has become a compelling strategy to meet the growing need for replacement vessels for treatment of vascular disease, a major cause of death worldwide. Vascular disease can be caused by inflammation in the circulatory system, triggered by endothelial cell dysfunction, and can range from problems with lymph carrying vessels to arteries and veins, that in turn can trigger ischemic heart disease. We aim to develop novel strategies for de- and re-cellularization of vascular grafts to combat morbidity and alleviate pain. A central part of this is to develop tissue engineered veins with functional valves for clinical use.