Laboratory for cellular physiology
Reasearch focus of the laboratory has been investigation of intracellular processes involved in ischemic cardiac disease as well as investigation of various modes of cardiac protection.
Laboratory for cellular physiology
Laboratorij za staničnu fiziologiju
Head of the lab
Prof Marko Ljubković
Research
Laboratory for cellular physiology was established at the Department of Integrative Physiology in 2008. by Drs. Jasna Marinović and Marko Ljubković. Research focus of the laboratory has been investigation of intracellular processes involved in ischemic cardiac disease as well as investigation of various modes of cardiac protection. For this purpose a translational approach is used utilizing both animal models of the disease (myocardial infarction-induced chronic heart failure in rats), as well as human cardiac tissue obtained by intra-operative myocardial biopsies. In rat model of chronic heart failure, we have shown chronic exercise ameliorates cardiac contactile dysfunction associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated calcium transients, by improving function of complex I (mitochondrial respiratory chain) and increasing expression of sarcolemmal KATP channel. Also, myocardial metabolic variations are being investigated in different pathological conditions (such as diabetes) or as part of a so called cardiac metabolic therapy, using human ventricular tissue.
Projects
Myocardial energetics as a target for treatment of ischemic heart disease: A translational approach from patient to mitochondria
Lead researcher: Jasna Marinović
Funded by Croatian Science Foundation - HrZZ
Project partners: Marko Ljubković, Cristijan Bulat, Darija Baković, Nenad Karanović, Jasenka Kraljević, Željko Dujić
Duration: 2013 - 2016
Funded by Croatian Science Foundation - HrZZ
Project partners: Marko Ljubković, Cristijan Bulat, Darija Baković, Nenad Karanović, Jasenka Kraljević, Željko Dujić
Duration: 2013 - 2016
Lead researcher: Marko Ljubković
Funded by Unity through Knowledge Fund - UKF
Project partners: Jasna Marinović, Ulrik Wisloff
Duration: 2009 - 2012
Funded by Unity through Knowledge Fund - UKF
Project partners: Jasna Marinović, Ulrik Wisloff
Duration: 2009 - 2012
Prof Marko Ljubković, PhD, head of the lab [CV]
Assist Prof Cristijan Bulat, PhD, associate [CV]
Ivana Banić, professional associate
Photo gallery
Future directions
Assist Prof Cristijan Bulat, PhD, associate [CV]
Ivana Banić, professional associate
Photo gallery
Future directions
A continuation of research efforts focused on pathological processes and potential protective interventions in diseased human myocardium is envisioned.
Selected publications and doctoral theses
Interests and topics: Mitochondria, ischemic heart disease, KATP channels, isolated cardiomyocytes, human endomyocardial biopsies, mitochondrial respiration, calcium transients, contractility, cardioprotection.olated