Aline Verstraeten

Prof. Aline Verstraeten is the head of the Connective Tissue Experimental Omics (CONNEX) research team, where she leads research work in functional genomics and experimental modeling of connective tissue disorders. Her group focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD), with a particular emphasis on a Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome-like multi-system disease associated with bi‑allelic variants in IPO8. A central component of her team's research focus is the development and application of advanced iPSC‑derived model systems, including aorta‑on‑a‑chip microphysiological platforms. These human-based models are complemented by preclinical mouse models, enabling mechanistic validation and the identification of translational therapeutic targets.