Meyer-Zimmermann Lab

​​Head of the working group: 
PD Dr. med. habil. Dr. rer. nat. Silke Meyer-Zimmermann

​​​Bridging Vessels and Mind — Translating Science into Discovery

The Meyer-Zimmermann Lab offers a dynamic, translational research environment dedicated to shaping the next generation of outstanding scientists. At the heart of our work lies the vascular-brain axis — a central yet underexplored mechanism driving systemic disease and cognitive decline.

We investigate how endothelial dysfunction, loss of thrombomodulin or other proteases, and coagulation signaling disrupt communication within the brain and contribute to neurodegeneration. Our goal is not only to understand these complex processes, but to translate them into novel therapeutic strategies.​​

Our Vision

​​​​​​We believe that transformative discoveries emerge at the intersection of disciplines. Our research integrates:

• clinical biomarker discovery
• AI-driven predictive modeling
• multi-omics approaches
• single-nucleus RNA sequencing
• advanced genetic models
• in vivo behavioral analyses

Through this integrative approach, we uncover neuroinflammatory signaling pathways and intercellular crosstalk that define brain health and disease.

Our Questions — Driven by Curiosity

What truly drives cognitive decline?
How does the kidney communicate with the brain?
How do microglia and neurons interact?
Who “talks" to whom — and when does this communication fail?

These questions remain to be answered.

Our Focus

Inflammation in the central nervous system is complex and multifactorial—we approach it from a unique perspective:

What role do coagulation proteases play in neuronal signaling?
How does activated protein C influence inter-organ communication?

How does chronic kidney disease alter brain homeostasis?

We particularly investigate:

• the structure and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier
• cell-cell communication between glia and neurons
• systemic influences on neuronal networks

Our Methods —​ Precision Meets Innovation

To bring our ideas to life, we employ a broad spectrum of cutting-edge techniques:

In vitro

• cell culture systems
• CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing
• lentiviral knockdown approaches
• co-culture and migration assays

In vivo

• conditional, cell type-specific knockout models
• inducible genetic mutations
• functional and behavioral analyses

Translation at the Core

Our research does not stop at discovery.
Through strong clinical and international collaborations, we enable true translation — from mouse models to the clinic.

We are embedded in a global network that connects expertise, technologies, and perspectives to advance the future of medicine.

Join Our Mission

We are looking for curious, driven, and ambitious scientists who are ready to challenge boundaries and explore the unknown.

Together, we aim to decode the language between the vascular system and the brain — and open new avenues for treating complex diseases.