prof. dr. J.L. (Jan-Luuk) Hillebrands

Vascular Pathology implies studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying 1) aberrant prenatal development of the vascular system, 2) the pathophysiology of new blood vessel formation, and 3) vascular remodeling in primary and secondary cardiovascular disease. Core of Hillebrands’ research fits within the latter i.e. vascular remodeling with special emphasis on phenotypic modulation (including calcification) of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Current research interests:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) enhanced development of cardiovascular disease (in particular atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and Klotho).
2. Quality assessment donor kidneys prior to transplantation.            

Expertise: basic in vitro (cell/tissue culture), in vivo (animal models of renal and vascular disease) and ex vivo (human tissue) translational research with a strong link to the clinic.