Welcome to ICBP "N. Simionescu" Department of Cellular Receptors website.

Research program
Cardiovascular disease represents more than 55% of the world-wide death rate. The World Health Organization predicted that by 2020 cardiovascular diseases will be leading global cause of total disease burden. In the case of numerous risk factors and genetic determinants, they evolve towards advanced atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques finally impede partially or totally the blood flow through a territory of the heart or brain, leading to myocardial infarction or stroke. Uncovering of critical events and the pathobiochemistry of vascular diseases will provide the tools and the markers for clinical screening, early diagnosis and efficient treatment of these maladies.

Major goals of the institute
- research oh the cellular and molecular biology and pathobiochemistry of the cardiovascular system
- development of favorable research climate and in-depth training cell biologists and pathologists
- promotion of modern cell biology and cell pathology in Romania and facilitation of international scientific exchanges
- teaching and education: graduate, master and PhD programs, specialization, training courses

Research goals and major steps envisaged
Understanding the normal structure and function of the various components of the cardiovascular system, i.e. heart, cardiac valves, large and small blood vessels - CELLULAR BIOLOGY.
Identification of cellular and molecular alterations occurring in blood vessels and plasma that initiate the cardiovascular diseases and their complications - CELLULAR PATHOLOGY.
Drug delivery to the cells of the vascular wall; testing drugs and substances that can retard, reverse or prevent cardiovascular disease - CELLULAR PHARMACOLOGY.