Ralf Dechend, MD, PhD

Prof. Dr. Ralf Dechend focuses on a translational approach, combining animal models, in vitro studies and human cohorts. Together with Prof. Dr. Dominik Müller, their lab focuses on the crosstalk between immune cells, vasculature and target organs of hypertension. The group’s major research interests are the renin-angiotensin system, the immune system and how both systems cause hypertension-induced target-organ damage. Recent work has extended the concept analyzing how environmental factors such as a high salt affect the microbiome, immune cells, target organs, and autoimmunity. The group also cooperates closely with MDC scientists and Charité clinician scientists and has also been a resource for young clinicians and doctoral students beginning their careers in experimental and clinical cardiovascular research.