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 of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, obesity, and vascular leakage in critical disease states. In addition, the Institute investigates the vascular effects of physical activity and their contribution to exercise-induced health benefits, as well as the interactions between the lymphatic system and the immune system.

To understand disease mechanisms, WRI researchers study fundamental cellular and molecular processes while continuously adopting advanced technologies. These include cutting-edge approaches such as genome editing, gene delivery technologies, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial omics, and stem cell and organoid models, combined with advanced imaging technologies that enable visualization of biological processes in living systems and at single-cell resolution. Together, these approaches drive the discovery of novel physiological and pathological mechanisms and advance translational vascular research.

Supported by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, WRI fosters a collaborative and innovative research environment. The Institute works closely with the University of Helsinki, utilizing shared infrastructure supported by expert personnel. By bridging findings from mouse disease models with clinical material through collaboration with Helsinki University Hospital, WRI strengthens the translational connection between basic and clinical research. This integrated approach enables efficient research operations and drives discoveries at the forefront of translational vascular biology.