Layer 01
Regulatory genomics
We study how non-coding variation affects chromatin accessibility, enhancer activity, transcription factor binding, and gene expression in disease-relevant cardiovascular contexts.
Kaikkonen Lab · Cardiovascular regulatory genomics
Mapping the regulatory logic of cardiovascular disease
We investigate how genetic variation, chromatin regulation, enhancer activity, inflammatory signaling, and cell-state transitions shape atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic disease.
We connect molecular mechanisms to disease-relevant biology.
Cardiovascular disease is driven by complex interactions between inherited risk, regulatory elements, immune and vascular cell states, and environmental exposures. Our work integrates experimental and computational approaches to understand these mechanisms at the regulatory resolution.
Scientific focus
Three connected layers of discovery
Layer 02
Inflammation and vascular biology
We investigate inflammatory and vascular mechanisms that contribute to atherosclerosis progression.
Layer 03
Computational disease models
We use integrative analysis and machine learning to prioritize regulatory programs and candidate mechanisms.
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