Ruben Bierings

Ruben Bierings is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology at Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam, Netherlands. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of von Willebrand factor (VWF) secretion and Weibel-Palade body (WPB) biogenesis in endothelial cells, aiming to understand bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease (VWD).

• Education: PhD from Utrecht University (2007, thesis on VWF secretion in endothelial cells).
• Career: Postdoctoral MRC Fellow at NIMR (2007-2011), Group Leader at Sanquin Research (2013-2018), and Principal Investigator at Erasmus MC (2018-present).

His lab uses patient-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) to study WPB formation, exocytosis, and VWD pathogenic mechanisms. Key molecular players include Rab GTPases, Rab effectors, and SNARE proteins. Collaborations span clinical partners at Erasmus MC (Prof. Frank Leebeek and Prof. Marjon Cnossen) and external institutions such as Sanquin Research, Leiden University Medical Center, and the NWO-funded SYMPHONY consortium.

He co-chairs the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Vascular Biology Scientific Standardization Subcommittee and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Trombosestichting Nederland (TSN). His work aims to develop personalized therapies for VWD patients through gene correction and gene therapy strategies.