RESEARCH AT BURLACU  LAB

Research Interest

Cell-Based Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases

Our research is dedicated to developing advanced therapeutic strategies to enhance ischemic tissue recovery by harnessing the regenerative potential of adult stem cells. By activating endogenous repair mechanisms, we aim to improve tissue healing and restore function in cardiovascular diseases.

Stem and progenitor cells have demonstrated significant potential in tissue regeneration and are increasingly being explored for therapeutic applications. In our lab, we employ animal models of human ischemic diseases, such as myocardial infarction and hind limb ischemia, alongside in vivo imaging and advanced cell-based assays. These models provide essential insights into early cellular and molecular events, guiding the development of next-generation cell therapies in cardiovascular medicine.

Understanding the Decline of Cardiac Function with Aging

Aging is a progressive and multifaceted process that profoundly affects cardiovascular function, increasing susceptibility to disease. Our lab investigates the pivotal role of cardiac fibroblasts (cFb) in age-related ventricular remodelling, as well as their involvement in myocardial infarction responses.

Cardiac fibroblasts, composed of adventitial and interstitial populations, are intricately positioned among cardiomyocytes, forming a specialized microenvironment essential for cardiac structure and function. Unlike generic fibroblast populations, cFb retain a distinct embryological identity, enabling rapid responsiveness to cardiac injury.

Through multi-OMICS analyses, we examine how cFb populations from young and aged individuals, with and without myocardial infarction, undergo molecular alterations. By deciphering the interplay between cFb and immune cells in the aging heart, we aim to identify key molecular targets that could mitigate pathological remodelling, ultimately preserving cardiac integrity and function over time.

Oxygen Sensing in Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Biology

Oxygen is fundamental to life, and the ability of cells to sense and adapt to oxygen availability plays a crucial role in both normal physiology and disease. Hypoxia, or the reduction in oxygen levels, is now recognized as a hallmark of many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular disease.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown enhanced regenerative properties under low-oxygen conditions, yet the precise mechanisms underlying this response remain unclear. In the bone marrow, MSCs naturally reside in a low-oxygen niche (1-4% O₂), whereas most preclinical and clinical studies cultivate them at atmospheric oxygen levels, which may alter their biology and therapeutic potential. Understanding the true physiological conditions that optimize MSC function is essential to refining their use in regenerative medicine.

By uncovering the molecular mechanisms governing MSC responses to oxygen availability, we strive to enhance their therapeutic efficacy for a wide range of diseases. Our work bridges fundamental oxygen biology with translational applications, ensuring that cell-based therapies are not only effective but also biologically informed.