Vera Jankowski

Professor Vera Jankowski is a leading researcher at the Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR) within University Hospital RWTH Aachen, focusing on the molecular mechanisms linking kidney disease and cardiovascular pathology. Her work primarily investigates post-translational protein modifications in uremic conditions and their role in vascular calcification.

Her research interests center on vascular calcification mechanisms, uremic toxin biochemistry, and protein post-translational modifications, particularly carbamylation and guanidinylation. She employs advanced techniques including urinary peptidomics, MALDI imaging, and molecular modeling to study how protein modifications in chronic kidney disease drive cardiovascular complications. Recent work demonstrates her focus on vitamin K metabolism, apolipoprotein dysfunction, and novel calcification inhibitors.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong translational trajectory from basic biochemistry to clinical applications, with consistent emphasis on identifying molecular targets for treating cardiovascular complications in kidney disease. Her work spans nephrology, cardiology, and biochemistry, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration.

Professor Jankowski maintains extensive collaborations across European institutions, particularly with Jürgen Floege and Roman Kramann at RWTH Aachen, and international researchers in Amsterdam, Paris, and Athens. Her publication record shows consistent leadership in multi-center studies investigating uremic toxins and vascular pathology.