Dimitris Kardassis

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Several risk factors including obesity, type II diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dyslipidemia predispose to ASCVD by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Reliable genetic or non-genetic biomarkers are also needed in order to increase the value of current risk prediction algorithms. In our lab we are studying the genetic determinants of atherosclerosis using in vitro systems, animal models, virus-mediated gene transfer and omics technologies. Our mission is to understand better the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and to use this new knowledge in order to identify novel biomarkers and drug targets for ASCVD.

More specifically, we are interested in:
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which high density lipoproteins (HDL) protect from ASCVD and how this atheroprotection is compromised by mutations in HDL genes or in chronic inflammatory diseases.
- The identification, though transcriptomics approaches, of key genes and non-coding RNAs in metabolic organs, such as the liver and adipose tissue that are differential expressed and play causal roles in the pathogenesis of ASCVD.
- Understanding the role of hepatic nuclear factors (hormone nuclear receptors, FOX factors, SREBPs) in the regulation of genes involved in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in the liver and their dysregulation in ASCVD and other pathological conditions such as non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD).

Our research is funded by the EU and the Ministries of Education and Development of Hellas.