Esmee Groeneveld
Research:
I support the research performed in this group with a specific focus on in vivo and in vitro experiments aimed at improving the repair of the injured heart after myocardial infarction. This includes cell-based therapy, and stimulation of endogenous cells with reparative capacity, specifically the epicardium.
The epicardium is the outer layer of the heart, these epicardial cells can undergo epicardial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the foetal heart the epicardium is activated and contributes at the development and formation of the heart by undergoing EMT and secreting paracrine signals. However, in the adults heart the cells are not activated and the is no regenerative capacity. Because of this, we think the epicardium can play an important role in to stimulate/support the cardiac muscle.
Next to these projects I am supporting the group by ordering products, making general stock and helping post-docs/(PhD)students.
Curriculum Vitae:
I studied Biology and Medical laboratory Research at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (BML, Hogeschool Rotterdam) from 2017 to 2021. My internship was at the Goumans group, supervised by Anke Smits and Esther Dronkers. During my project the focus was on the stimulation of epicardial cells to undergo EMT by stimulation with different compounds in the foetal and adult heart. After this internship I started working as a research technician at the Goumans group.
