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# Wihuri Research Institute

Home of Biomedical Research and Learning | Wihuri Research Institute is a non-profit biomedical organization based in Helsinki, Finland.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://wri.fi/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## News

- [News](https://wri.fi/news/) - The latest news about our research, scientists and events. April 30, 2026 Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2026 January 12, 2026 IMMENs – a new Centre of Excellence in lymphatic-mediated immune regulation July 1, 2025 Professor Taija Mäkinen elected as an EMBO member June 11, 2025 Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2025 March 20, 2025 Research reveals
- [IMMENs - a new Centre of Excellence in lymphatic-mediated immune regulation](https://wri.fi/immens-a-new-centre-of-excellence-in-lymphatic-mediated-immune-regulation/) - In 2025, the Research Council of Finland awarded substantial funding to the new IMMENs Centre of Excellence, comprising two research groups from the Wihuri Research Institute. The centre investigates the interactions between lymphatic endothelial cells and inflammatory cells in order to direct local immune responses and to develop targeted therapies. In 2026, the new Centre
- [Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2026](https://wri.fi/wihuri-research-institute-symposium-2026/) - Hanaholmen Cultural Center
- [Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2024](https://wri.fi/wihuri-research-institute-symposium-2024/) - The 2024 Wihuri Research Institute Symposium on Cardiovascular Biology was held on 15 August 2024 at the Hanaholmen Cultural Center in Helsinki. It was organized in collaboration with the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine (DPBM) at the University of Helsinki. Thank you to everyone who joined the symposium for a day of exciting Vascular Biology research.
- [Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2025](https://wri.fi/wihuri-research-institute-symposium-2025/) - Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2025 at Biomedicum, Helsinki.
- [Professor Taija Mäkinen elected as an EMBO member](https://wri.fi/professor-taija-makinen-elected-as-an-embo-member/) - Sixty-nine members of EMBO. Photo and news by EMBO Communications. Taija Mäkinen, Director of the Wihuri Research Institute and Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Helsinki has been elected as a one of the sixty-nine members of EMBO, the European Molecular Biology Organization. The EMBO community comprises of more than 2100 leading life
- [Research reveals the mystery behind the puzzle-like shape of lymphatic vessels](https://wri.fi/research-reveals-the-mystery-behind-the-puzzle-like-shape-of-lymphatic-vessels/) - A groundbreaking study led by Professor Taija Mäkinen, Director of the Wihuri Research Institute, reveals how the puzzle-like pattern of lymphatic endothelial cells enables them to withstand changes in fluid pressure, such as tissue swelling. Similar cell shapes can also be found on the surface of plant leaves. The lymphatic system plays a vital role
- [Kari Alitalo receives the Lefoulon-Delalande Scientific Grand Prize](https://wri.fi/kari-alatalo-receives-the-lefoulon-delalande-foundation-scientific-grand-prize/) - #post_excerptAcademician Kari Alitalo from the WRI, together with Professor Susan E. Quaggin share the 2023 Lefoulon-Delalande Foundation Scientific Grand Prize.
- [Taija Mäkinen appointed as Director of the Wihuri Research Institute](https://wri.fi/taija-makinen-appointed-as-director-of-the-wihuri-research-institute/) - #post_excerptRecruitment of a global leader in vascular biology will continue to place Finland at the forefront of biomedical research.
- [Two WRI group leaders take part in a new centre of excellence consortium](https://wri.fi/two-wri-group-leaders-take-part-in-a-new-centre-of-excellence-consortium/) - Two WRI group leaders, Professor Sara Wickström and Associate Professor Pipsa Saharinen, take part in a new centre of excellence of the Academy of Finland. The decision by the Academy of Finland to fund this fall a total of eleven new Centres of Excellence (CoE) in Finland, included the BarrierForce consortium by Wickström and Saharinen
- [Re­search­ers dis­covered a novel gene in­volved in primary lymph­ed­ema](https://wri.fi/researchers-discovered-a-novel-gene-involved-in-primary-lymphedema/) - Researchers have made an important discovery how mutations in a novel gene, ANGPT2, cause a lymphatic disease called primary lymphedema. Discovery is essential for the proper diagnosis of patients suffering from primary lymphedema. The Human Molecular Genetics laboratory of the de Duve Institute (UCLouvain), headed by Professor Miikka Vikkula, recently identified mutations in a novel
- [Wihuri Research Institute Symposium “Translational Insights into Organ-Specific Vasculature” – June 11, 2019](https://wri.fi/wihuri-research-institute-symposium-translational-insights-into-organ-specific-vasculature-june-11-2019-3/) - PROGRAMME 8.00-8.50 Registration open in the arrival lobby 8.50-9.00 A few words about the Wihuri Research Institute SESSION I Vasculature, Chairperson: Christer Betsholtz 09.00-09.30 Tatiana Petrova, Lausanne: Organ-specific functions of lymphatic vessels 09.30-10.00 Taija Mäkinen, Uppsala: Vascular bed-specific mechanisms of lymphatic development and disease 10.00-10.30 Lena Claesson-Welsh, Uppsala: Organotypic features of the vascular barrier 10.30-10.50 Pipsa
- [Italy’s highest scientific award bestowed on Academy Professor Kari Alitalo](https://wri.fi/italys-highest-scientific-award-bestowed-on-academy-professor-kari-alitalo-4/) - Accademia Nationale dei Lincei, the oldest science academy in Italy, has granted the international Antonio Feltrinelli Prize, awarded every five years, to Academy Professor Kari Alitalo of the University of Helsinki and the Wihuri Research Institute. According to Professor Giorgio Parisi, president of the Accademia Nationale dei Lincei, the prize was awarded in acknowledgment of Kari Alitalo’s pioneering work on cancer research.
- [Pro­fessor Emer­itus Kari Al­it­alo re­ceives hon­or­ary title of Aca­dem­i­cian of Science](https://wri.fi/professor-emeritus-kari-alitalo-receives-honorary-title-of-academician-of-science/) - Research Director, Professor Emeritus Kari Alitalo has been conferred the honorary title of Academician of Science. The title of Academician can be held by no more than 16 distinguished Finnish scientists and scholars at a time. The title of Academician of Science is awarded by the President of the Republic based on nominations by the Academy

## Pages

- [Home](https://wri.fi/) - Home of biomedical research and learning Wihuri Research Institute Discoveries that improve diagnostics and therapy for human diseases The Wihuri Research Institute is a non-profit biomedical research institute for top-quality biomedical research and learning in Helsinki, Finland. Our seven independent research groups and two affiliated groups work in the fields of vascular biology and regenerative
- [Wihuri Research Institute Symposia](https://wri.fi/symposia/) - Since 2013, the Wihuri Research Institute (WRI) has organized annual WRI Symposia, providing a platform for researchers and students to share their knowledge and insights into cardiovascular research. These events facilitate the exchange of the latest technologies and ideas, encouraging interaction between people at all career levels, from students to global leaders. Participants can look
- [About Us](https://wri.fi/about-us/) - The Wihuri Research Institute is a non-profit biomedical research institute for top-quality biomedical research and learning in Helsinki, Finland. The Wihuri Research Institute (WRI) is at the forefront of biomedical research, with the goal of advancing the well-being of humankind, and it provides: State-of-the-Art Research The research program at WRI consists of both fundamental and
- [Contact us](https://wri.fi/contact-us/) - Visiting and shipping address Wihuri Research InstituteBiomedicum Helsinki 1 Haartmaninkatu 800290 HELSINKIFinland For general inquiries Tel: +358 50 446 0068info@wri.fi You can find the contact information of our team here. Follow us on: Bluesky Public transportation Please check the HSL Journey Planner for detailed route instructions: https://www.hsl.fi/en. Buying tickets is easiest by installing HSL app
- [Team](https://wri.fi/team/) - The Wihuri Research Institute employs 30 - 40 biomedical experts, including medical doctors, molecular biologists, and biochemists. In addition to our permanent staff, we also host students completing their Master’s and PhD thesis research. Director and Group Leaders Taija Mäkinen Director, Group LeaderLymphatic biology and pathology TAIJA.MAKINEN@HELSINKI.FI Kari Alitalo Group LeaderVascular Growth Factor KARI.ALITALO@HELSINKI.FI Sinem
- [Research program](https://wri.fi/research-program/) - Translational research at the Wihuri Research Institute focuses on the vascular system and its associated pathologies Wihuri Research Institute (WRI) conducts forefront research in cardiovascular and lymphatic vascular biology and has advanced the field through ground-breaking fundamental discoveries. The research programme at WRI explores the roles of blood and lymphatic vessels across a wide spectrum
- [Careers](https://wri.fi/careers/) - We are always looking for motivated people at various career levels to join our team. We offer postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to participate cutting-edge scientific research projects in biomedical science. The Institute also provides outstanding students with the opportunity to complete their Master’s or PhD thesis work in a highly stimulating research environment. We welcome
- [Research groups](https://wri.fi/research-groups/) - Our seven research groups and two affiliated groups work in the fields of vascular biology and regenerative medicine. All groups are also affiliated with the University of Helsinki. Research Groups AtherosclerosisKatariina Öörni Lymphatic Biology and PathologyTaija Mäkinen Lymphatic Endothelial and Leukocyte GuidanceKari Vaahtomeri Organotypic VasculatureSinem Karaman Vascular Growth FactorKari Alitalo Vascular Stability and Cell AdhesionPipsa
- [Publications](https://wri.fi/publications/) - List of selected publications per research group. Emilia Korhonen: Neurovascular Communication Group Korhonen EA, Murtomäki A, Jha SK, Anisimov A, Pink A, Zhang Y, Stritt S, Liaqat I, Stanczuk L, Alderfer L, Sun Z, Kapiainen E, Singh A, Sultan I, Lantta A, Leppänen VM, Eklund L, He Y, Augustin HG, Vaahtomeri K, Saharinen P, Mäkinen
- [Research Activities](https://wri.fi/research-activities/) - Our seven independent research groups and two affiliated groups work in the fields of vascular biology, regenerative medicine and stem cell research. AtherosclerosisKatariina Öörni Cardiovascular GenomicsMarkus Ramste Lymphatic Biology and PathologyTaija Mäkinen Lymphatic Endothelial and Leukocyte GuidanceKari Vaahtomeri Neurovascular CommunicationEmilia Korhonen Organotypic VasculatureSinem Karaman Vascular Growth FactorKari Alitalo Vascular Stability and Cell AdhesionPipsa Saharinen Vasculature

## Research Groups

- [Vasculature in Cardiometabolic Disease and Muscle Wasting](https://wri.fi/research-group/vascular-biology-of-cardiometabolic-diseases-and-exercise/) - Our research is focused on understanding the effects of cardiometabolic diseases, muscle wasting and physical activity on vasculature, endothelial cells and tissue physiology. Our aim is to identify mechanisms mediating the health benefits of exercise and to discover novel treatment options for cardiometabolic diseases. Our group also studies skeletal muscle growth and muscle wasting, and
- [Organotypic Vasculature](https://wri.fi/research-group/organotypic-vasculature/) - We study blood and lymphatic vessels across organs, with a particular focus on how the vessels and the endothelial cells are affected in metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Vessels are highly specialized: depending on their location, they adopt distinct structures and functions to meet the needs of each tissue. Understanding how these organ-specific
- [Lymphatic Endothelial and Leukocyte Guidance](https://wri.fi/research-group/lymphatic-endothelial-and-leukocyte-guidance/) - We have a long-standing interest in studying mechanisms of organ/tissue interactions that maintain homeostatic balance and, on the other hand, dynamically respond to disturbances. The lymphatic system presents an excellent model for studying short- and long-range tissue interactions in the context of adaptive immunity since lymphatics connect peripheral tissues to systemic circulation via tissue fluid
- [Vascular Stability and Cell Adhesion](https://wri.fi/research-group/vascular-stability-and-cell-adhesion/) - We study the fundamental mechanisms that regulate the formation and maintenance of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems in the body, and explore how these mechanisms are impaired in severe inflammation causing fluid leakage into tissues in various difficult-to-treat diseases. Endothelial cells are key components of vascular systems, forming the inner lining of both blood
- [Vascular Growth Factor](https://wri.fi/research-group/vascular-growth-factor/) - Vascular growth factors and their inhibitors hold significant potential for treating a wide range of human diseases. Our research focuses on their preclinical and translational applications, with the goal of restoring homeostasis and improving tissue function in cardiovascular and other diseases. Our goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches by leveraging insights into the biology
- [Atherosclerosis](https://wri.fi/research-group/atherosclerosis/) - We study accumulation of cholesterol in arteries during atherogenesis and look for ways to identify individuals at high risk for development of cardiovascular disease. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol in the blood. Elevated LDL-cholesterol increases the risk of myocardial infarction, but cardiovascular risk is not determined by quantity alone. The quality of LDL particles also
- [Lymphatic Biology and Pathology](https://wri.fi/research-group/lymphatic-biology-and-pathology/) - We study the mechanisms governing the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the lymphatic vasculature, and how its function and dysfunction contribute to organ-specific physiology and disease. The lymphatic vasculature is increasingly recognized as a multifaceted regulator of tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Traditionally, its primary function has been to drain fluid, macromolecules, and immune cells from
- [Neurovascular Communication](https://wri.fi/research-group/neurovascular-communication/) - We study how blood and lymphatic vessels regulate central nervous system homeostasis and white matter integrity, focusing on vascular mechanisms that shape oligodendrocyte lineage cell function across development, aging, and repair. Blood and lymphatic vessels, lined by endothelial cells, are essential for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Endothelial cells regulate barrier properties, molecular exchange,
- [Cardiovascular Genomics](https://wri.fi/research-group/cardiovascular-genomics/) - Our research focuses on the cells of the vascular wall, exploring their biology, functional roles and involvement in cardiovascular disease processes. We leverage genetics, functional genomics, high-throughput experimental platforms, and bio-informatics to dissect how genetic variation contributes to vascular pathology. Vascular diseases are the world-wide leading cause of death, and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is

## Symposia

- [Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2026 on Cardiovascular Biology](https://wri.fi/symposia/symposium-2026/) - The Wihuri Research Institute Symposium 2026 on Cardiovascular Biology will bring together leading experts in cardiovascular research in the areas of blood and lymphatic vessel morphogenesis, vascular diversity and plasticity in development and disease, and immune-vascular crosstalk. Registration is closed Symposium Programme Event details Wihuri Research Symposium 2026 Date: Tuesday, 18 August, 2026Location: Hanaholmen Cultural

## Categories

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- [Director and Group leaders](https://wri.fi/category/director-and-group-leaders/)
- [Administrative staff](https://wri.fi/category/administrative-staff/)
- [Scientific staff](https://wri.fi/category/scientific-staff/)
- [Laboratory staff](https://wri.fi/category/laboratory-staff/)
- [Affiliated Group Leaders](https://wri.fi/category/affiliated-group-leaders/)