Dr. Mara Pitulescu
Organ-dependent endothelial cell plasticity and maintenance
in health and disease
Vascular Biology / Angiogenesis
Cell Biology / Molecular Biology
Development
Molecular Imaging
Membrane Protein Dynamics
Endothelial cells forming the inner lining of vessels display different characteristics according to the vascular bed, functionality, or organ where they reside. Here, they adapt their behaviour to coordinate the assembly of the vascular network, by integrating organ-specific cues. In our laboratory, we are studying the mechanisms controlling endothelial cell fate decisions and cell-cell communication during the process of vascular pattern formation and organogenesis.
By using genetic fate mapping, a broad range of genetically engineered mouse mutants, and high-resolution microscopy, we address how endothelial cells are specified, differentiate, migrate, and contribute to the formation of blood vasculature. Moreover, we are making use of biochemical assays, in vitro culture models, and next-generation sequencing techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of these processes.
Vita
- 1994 – 2000 Studies in General Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Timisoara, Romania (Doctor-medic Diploma and Medical State Examination) - 2001 – 2002 Medical Intern, County General Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
- 2002 – 2007 PhD with Prof. Dr. Michael Kessel, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry,
Göttingen, and University of Göttingen - 2007 – 2008 Postdoc with Prof. Dr. Michael Kessel, Max Planck Institute for
Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen - 2008 – 2013 Postdoc with Prof. Dr. Ralf H. Adams, Cancer Research UK,
London Research Institute, and Max Planck Institute for Molecular
Biomedicine, Münster - 2014 – 2017 Staff Scientist, University of Münster and Max Planck Institute for Molecular
Biomedicine, Münster - 2018 – 2024 Project Leader, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster
- Since 2025 Independent Research Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Molecular
Biomedicine, Münster
Selected references
Stewen, J, Kruse, K, Godoi-Filip, AT, Zenia, Jeong, HW, Adams, S, Berkenfeld, F, Stehling, M, Red-Horse, K, Adams, RH#, Pitulescu, ME# (2024). Eph-ephrin signaling couples endothelial cell sorting and arterial specification. Nat. Commun. 15:2539. # Shared corresponding authorship.
Luxan, G*, Stewen, J*, Diaz, N, Kato, K, Maney, SK, Aravamudhan, A, Berkenfeld, F, Nagelmann, N, Drexler, HC, Zeuschner, D, Faber, C, Schillers, H, Hermann, S, Wiseman, J, Vaquerizas, JM, Pitulescu, ME#, Adams, RH# (2019). Endothelial EphB4 maintains vascular integrity and transport function in adult heart. Elife, 8:e45863. *, # Shared first or corresponding authorship, respectively.
Langen, U, Pitulescu, ME, Kim, JM, Enriquez-Gasca, R, Sivaraj, KK, Kusumbe, AP, Singh, A, Di Russo, J, Bixel, MG, Zhou, B, Sorokin, L, Vaquerizas, JM, & Adams, RH (2017). Cell-matrix signals specify bone endothelial cells during developmental osteogenesis. Nat Cell Biol, 19(3), 189-201.
Pitulescu, ME#, Schmidt, I, Giaimo, BD, Antoine, T, Berkenfeld, F, Ferrante, F, Park, H, Ehling, M, Biljes, D, Rocha, SF, Langen, UH, Stehling, M, Nagasawa, T, Ferrara, N, Borggrefe, T, Adams, RH# (2017). Dll4 and Notch signalling couples sprouting angiogenesis and artery formation. Nat Cell Biol 19, 915-927. # Co-corresponding authorship.
Pitulescu, ME & Adams, RH (2014). Regulation of signaling interactions and receptor endocytosis in growing blood vessels. Cell Adh Migr, 8(4), 366-377
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