About Us
Advancing Cardiovascular Research Through RNA Biology
The Boeckel Lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms driving cardiovascular diseases. Our research focuses on long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and RNA-mediated regulation of immune and vascular cells.
Advances in whole genome sequencing have revealed that less than 2% of the human genome encodes proteins, while a vast majority is transcribed into RNA. Many of these RNA molecules do not code for proteins but instead play essential regulatory roles — controlling gene expression and influencing diverse cellular processes. Among them, noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs have emerged as key players in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. By deciphering the complex functions of these noncoding RNAs, we aim to uncover new biological principles and identify innovative therapeutic targets.
Founded in 2018, the Boeckel Lab has since led numerous studies identifying novel RNA regulators involved in heart failure, atherosclerosis, cardio-metabolic diseases, and vascular inflammation, underscoring the translational impact of our research.
Prof. Dr. Jes-Niels Boeckel
Group Leader
Meet the Team
Prof. Dr. Jes-Niels Boeckel is the Head of the Experimental Cardiology Group at the University Hospital Leipzig. His research focuses on RNA- and immune-regulated mechanisms in cardiovascular disease, with particular emphasis on circular RNAs, RNA editing, and endothelial cell plasticity and dysfunction.
He has authored more than 40 original research articles in leading peer-reviewed journals. He has received numerous national and international distinctions, including the prestigious Paul Dudley White International Award of the American Heart Association and the Franz Maximilian Groedel Research Award of the German Cardiac Society.
Prof. Boeckel serves on the editorial boards of several high-impact journals (including Cardiovascular Research and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine) and acts as a reviewer for more than 40 journals, such as Circulation, the European Heart Journal, and the BMJ. He is also actively involved in scientific committees and international research networks, contributing to the advancement of innovative RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cardiovascular medicine.
Lab Members
Behind every discovery is a dedicated team of researchers, clinicians, and students driving our mission forward.
Dr. med. Maximilian Möbius-Winkler
Physician in Training
Dr. rer. nat. Karoline E. Kokot
Postdoc
Dr. rer. nat. Jasmin M. Kneuer
Postdoc
Stephan Erbe (M.Sc.)
PhD Student
Denise Preußer (M.Sc.)
PhD Student
Sebastian Reichardt (M.Sc.)
PhD Student
Anne Marie Müller (M.Sc.)
Biological Technical Assistant
Tino Cewe
Medical Technical Assistant
Sarah Heitkamp (B.Sc.)
Master’s Student
Michael Andritschke (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Melanie Winkler (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Vanina Filipova (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Julian Hoba (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Valerie Fürle (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Luis Baum (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Ignacy Grajek (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Emily Schandert (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Clara Schneider (cand. med.)
Medical Doctoral Student
Alexander Kraft (M.Sc.)
PhD Student
Alumni
- Dr. med. Tim Meineke
- Dr. med. Marie Schubert
- Dr. med. Sascha Rittig
Celebrating Scientific Excellence
Together, members of the Boeckel Lab have received more than 50 awards and honors, recognizing outstanding achievements in cardiovascular and RNA research. Discover the contributions that shape our scientific identity.
Interested in Joining the Team?
We’re always happy to hear from motivated students, researchers, and collaborators. If you’d like to explore future opportunities or learn more about working with us, visit our Careers page.