Philipp Sasse

Prof. Dr. Philipp Sasse is a Professor at the Institute of Physiology I at the University of Bonn. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and developing optogenetic tools for their study and treatment. The Sasse group pioneered optogenetic control of heart muscle in vivo and has contributed key advancements in cardiac optogenetics, including manipulating signaling cascades, fibroblast-cardiomyocyte coupling, and optogenetic defibrillation.

Research interests include:

• Cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and termination strategies
• Optogenetic tool development for in vivo applications
• Drug screening for pro/anti-arrhythmic effects
• Light-cell interactions in cardiac tissue

Key achievements include demonstrating optogenetic pacing in mouse hearts (2015), optogenetic defibrillation (2016), and foundational work on Gs-signaling manipulation (2019). The lab's work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational therapeutic concepts.

Collaborations include computational modeling (e.g., with Trayanova NA) and interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, optics, and electrophysiology. Current efforts focus on red-shifted optogenetic systems and novel therapies for arrhythmia termination.