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Professorship Julie Staals

Professorship Julie Staals

22 April 2024

Dr Julie Staals (Dept. of Neurology) has been appointed as professor 'Neurovascular disease' as of 1 April 2024.

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ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Prof. Andy Baker

ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Prof. Andy Baker

15 April 2024

Prof. Andy Baker (Dept of Pathology) has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant of €2,5M for his research project PolymiRize: Poly-miRNA targeting to prevent and reverse complex tissue remodelling after acute cardiovascular events'.

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Carim Maastricht
Carim Maastricht

Leon Schurgers

Professor

Initially trained in clinical chemistry and hematology at the University of Applied Science, Prof. Leon Schurgers obtained his PhD at the Department of Biochemistry within CARIM on the role of vitamin K1 and K2 on bone metabolism and cardiovascular disease. He worked as post-doc on a Dutch Heart Foundation grant on the role of matrix Gla-protein synthesized by vascular smooth muscle cell and calcification in collaboration with the group of Prof. Catherine Shanahan (Cambridge, UK).

In 2009, he was appointed on a tenured position at the Department of Biochemistry. After entering the Toptalent programme (Maastricht UMC+) in 2016, he was appointed as Professor of Biochemistry of Vascular Calcification in 2017. He is vice-chair of the department of Biochemistry. Since 2021, he chairs the stem cell research facility of the University of Maastricht (SCRUM).

The focus of his current work is elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which vascular remodelling is initiated and propagated. Key cellular events include phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and the role of oxidative stress, extracellular vesicles and calcification. In this, he collaborates closely with the Cardiothoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery departments of the Heart and Vessel Center (HVC) of the Maastricht University Medical Center. Patient derived primary SMCs are isolated from vascular tissue and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are generated from patient derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These iPSCs are used to differentiate into patient specific cardiovascular cells (i.e., cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts) to study cardiovascular disease.

The underlying causes of SMC phenotypic switching are insufficient to understand the pathogenesis of vascular ageing and calcification at a level that allows development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. In his project line, the Schurgers’ group aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of vitamin K-metabolism in health and vascular disease. Importantly, this work will help to understand the paradoxal observation that patients with low vitamin K-status during oral anticoagulant treatment develop enhanced vascular calcification and our results might provide new insights in prognostic and preventive measures to combat vascular ageing.

Professor Schurgers is Chairman of the steering scientific board on the world-wide quality assurance scheme for vitamin K detection and member of the scientific advisory boards of the Dutch Thrombosis Society.

Leon-schurgers

Department of Biochemistry
Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht
PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht
Room number: 4.314
T: +31(0)43 388 16 80

  • 2019
    • Rao, P. S., Ramanjaneyulu, Y. S., Prisk, V. R., & Schurgers, L. J. (2019). A Combination of Tamarindus indica seeds and Curcuma longa Rhizome Extracts Improves Knee Joint Function and Alleviates Pain in Non-Arthritic Adults Following Physical Activity. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 16(6), 845-853. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.32505
    • Dudink, E., Florijn, B., Weijs, B., Duijs, J., Luermans, J., Peeters, F., Schurgers, L., Wildberger, J., Schotten, U., Bijkerk, R., Crijns, H. J., & van Zonneveld, A. J. (2019). Vascular Calcification and not Arrhythmia in Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation Associates with Sex Differences in Diabetic Microvascular Injury miRNA Profiles. MicroRNA (Shāriqah, United Arab Emirates), 8(2), 127-134. https://doi.org/10.2174/2211536608666181122125208
  • 2018
    • Stoehr, R., Deckers, N., Schurgers, L., Marx, N., & Reutelingsperger, C. P. (2018). AnnexinA5-pHrodo: a new molecular probe for measuring efferocytosis. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 17731. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-35995-z
    • Peeters, F. E. C. M., Dudink, E. A. M. P., Kimenai, D. M., Weijs, B., Altintas, S., Heckman, L. I. B., Mihl, C., Schurgers, L. J., Wildberger, J. E., Meex, S. J. R., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., & Crijns, H. J. G. M. (2018). Vitamin K Antagonists, Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants, and Vascular Calcification in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. TH open : companion journal to thrombosis and haemostasis, 2(4), e391-e398. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1675578
    • Michaux, A., Matagrin, B., Debaux, J.-V., Schurgers, L. J., Benoit, E., & Lattard, V. (2018). Missense mutation of VKORC1 leads to medial arterial calcification in rats. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 13733. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-31788-6
    • Reutelingsperger, C., & Schurgers, L. (2018). Coronary Artery Calcification A Janus-Faced Biomarker?JACC-Cardiovascular Imaging, 11(9), 1324-1326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2017.04.009
    • Jansz, T. T., Neradova, A., van Ballegooijen, A. J., Verhaar, M. C., Vervloet, M. G., Schurgers, L. J., & van Jaarsveld, B. C. (2018). The role of kidney transplantation and phosphate binder use in vitamin K status. PLOS ONE, 13(8), Article e0203157. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203157
    • Miyata, K. N., Nast, C. C., Dai, T., Dukkipati, R., LaPage, J. A., Troost, J. P., Schurgers, L. J., Kretzler, M., & Adler, S. G. (2018). Renal matrix Gla protein expression increases progressively with CKD and predicts renal outcome. Experimental and Molecular Pathology, 105(1), 120-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexmp.2018.07.001
    • Peeters, F. E. C. M., Meex, S. J. R., Dweck, M. R., Aikawa, E., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Schurgers, L. J., & Kietselaer, B. L. J. H. (2018). Calcific aortic valve stenosis: hard disease in the heart. European Heart Journal, 39(28), 2618–2624. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehx653
    • Eersels, K., Diliën, H., Lowdon, J., Steen Redeker, E., Rogosic, R., Heidt, B., Peeters, M., Cornelis, P., Lux, P., Reutelingsperger, C., Schurgers, L., Cleij, T., & van Grinsven, B. (2018). A Novel Biomimetic Tool for Assessing Vitamin K Status Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers. Nutrients, 10(6), Article 751. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10060751
    • Popko, J., Karpinski, M., Chojnowska, S., Maresz, K., Milewski, R., Badmaev, V., & Schurgers, L. J. (2018). Decreased Levels of Circulating Carboxylated Osteocalcin in Children with Low Energy Fractures: A Pilot Study. Nutrients, 10(6), Article 734. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10060734
    • Schurgers, L. J., Akbulut, A. C., Kaczor, D. M., Halder, M., Koenen, R. R., & Kramann, R. (2018). Initiation and Propagation of Vascular Calcification Is Regulated by a Concert of Platelet- and Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 5, Article 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00036
    • Peeters, F. E. C. M., van Mourik, M. J. W., Meex, S. J. R., Bucerius, J., Schalla, S. M., Gerretsen, S. C., Mihl, C., Dweck, M. R., Schurgers, L. J., Wildberger, J. E., Crijns, H. J. G. M., & Kietselaer, B. L. J. H. (2018). Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis and the Effect of Vitamin K2 on Calcification Using F-18-Sodium Fluoride Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance: The BASIK2 Rationale and Trial Design. Nutrients, 10(4), Article 386. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10040386
    • Willems, B. A., Furmanik, M., Caron, M. M. J., Chatrou, M. L. L., Kusters, D. H. M., Welting, T. J. M., Stock, M., Rafael, M. S., Viegas, C. S. B., Simes, D. C., Vermeer, C., Reutelingsperger, C. P. M., & Schurgers, L. J. (2018). Ucma/GRP inhibits phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via SMAD-dependent BMP signalling. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 4961. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23353-y
    • Viegas, C. S. B., Santos, L., Macedo, A. L., Matos, A. A., Silva, A. P., Neves, P. L., Staes, A., Gevaert, K., Morais, R., Vermeer, C., Schurgers, L., & Simes, D. C. (2018). Chronic Kidney Disease Circulating Calciprotein Particles and Extracellular Vesicles Promote Vascular Calcification: A Role for GRP (Gla-Rich Protein). Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 38(3), 575-587. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.117.310578
    • Dahlberg, S., Ede, J., Schurgers, L., Vermeer, C., Kander, T., Klarin, B., & Schott, U. (2018). Desphospho-Uncarboxylated Matrix-Gla Protein Is Increased Postoperatively in Cardiovascular Risk Patients. Nutrients, 10(1), Article 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010046
  • 2017
    • Stoehr, R., Schurgers, L., van Gorp, R., Jaminon, A., Marx, N., & Reutelingsperger, C. (2017). Annexin A5 reduces early plaque formation in ApoE -/- mice. PLOS ONE, 12(12), Article 0190229. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190229
    • Burgmaier, M., Reith, S., Schurgers, L., Kahles, F., Marx, N., & Reutelingsperger, C. (2017). Circulating annexin A5 levels are associated with carotid intima-media thickness but not coronary plaque composition. Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research, 14(5), 415-422. https://doi.org/10.1177/1479164117710392
    • Doring, Y., Noels, H., van der Vorst, E. P. C., Neideck, C., Egea, V., Drechsler, M., Mandl, M., Pawig, L., Jansen, Y., Schroeder, K., Bidzhekov, K., Megens, R. T. A., Theelen, W., Klinkhammer, B. M., Boor, P., Schurgers, L., van Gorp, R., Ries, C., Kusters, P. J. H., ... Weber, C. (2017). Vascular CXCR4 Limits Atherosclerosis by Maintaining Arterial Integrity Evidence From Mouse and Human Studies. Circulation, 136(4), 388-403. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.027646
    • Brandenburg, V. M., Reinartz, S., Kaesler, N., Krueger, T., Dirrichs, T., Kramann, R., Peeters, F., Floege, J., Keszei, A., Marx, N., Schurgers, L. J., & Koos, R. (2017). Slower Progress of Aortic Valve Calcification With Vitamin K Supplementation Results From a Prospective Interventional Proof-of-Concept Study. Circulation, 135(21), 2081-2083. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.027011
    • Vajen, T., Benedikter, B. J., Heinzmann, A. C. A., Vasina, E. M., Henskens, Y., Parsons, M., Maguire, P. B., Stassen, F. R., Heemskerk, J. W. M., Schurgers, L. J., & Koenen, R. R. (2017). Platelet extracellular vesicles induce a pro-inflammatory smooth muscle cell phenotype. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 6(1), Article 1322454. https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2017.1322454
    • Neradova, A., Schumacher, S. P., Hubeek, I., Lux, P., Schurgers, L. J., & Vervloet, M. G. (2017). Phosphate binders affect vitamin K concentration by undesired binding, an in vitro study. Bmc Nephrology, 18, Article 149. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-017-0560-3
    • Kapustin, A. N., Schoppet, M., Schurgers, L. J., Reynolds, J. L., McNair, R., Heiss, A., Jahnen-Dechent, W., Hackeng, T. M., Schlieper, G., Harrison, P., & Shanahan, C. M. (2017). Prothrombin Loading of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Exosomes Regulates Coagulation and Calcification. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 37(3), E22-E32. https://doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.116.308886
    • Chen, Z., Qureshi, A. R., Parini, P., Hurt-Camejo, E., Ripsweden, J., Brismar, T. B., Barany, P., Jaminon, A. M., Schurgers, L. J., Heimburger, O., Lindholm, B., & Stenvinkel, P. (2017). Does statins promote vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease?European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 47(2), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.1111/eci.12718
    • Houben, E., Neradova, A., Schurgers, L. J., & Vervloet, M. (2017). The influence of phosphate, calcium and magnesium on matrix Gla-protein and vascular calcification: a systematic review. Giornale italiano di nefrologia : organo ufficiale della Società italiana di nefrologia, 33(6), 1-10.
    • Hendrikx, G., Hackeng, T. M., van Gorp, R., Bauwens, M., Schurgers, L. J., Mottaghy, F. M., Post, M. J., & Dijkgraaf, I. (2017). Use of Cyclic Backbone NGR-Based SPECT to Increase Efficacy of Postmyocardial Infarction Angiogenesis Imaging. Contrast Media & Molecular Imaging, 2017, Article 8638549. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8638549
  • 2016
    • Donners, M. M. P. C., Bai, L., Lutgens, S., Wijnands, E., Johnson, J., Schurgers, L. J., Liu, C.-L., Daemen, M., Cleutjens, K. B. J. M., Shi, G.-P., Biessen, E. A. L., & Heeneman, S. (2016). Cathepsin K Deficiency Prevents the Aggravated Vascular Remodeling Response to Flow Cessation in ApoE(-/-) Mice. PLOS ONE, 11(9), Article e0162595. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0162595
    • Card, D. J., Shearer, M. J., Schurgers, L. J., Gomez, K., & Harrington, D. J. (2016). What's in a name? The pharmacy of vitamin K. British Journal of Haematology, 174(6), 989-990. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.13828
    • Brandenburg, V. M., Evenepoel, P., Floege, J., Goldsmith, D., Kramann, R., Massy, Z., Mazzaferro, S., Schurgers, L. J., Sinha, S., Torregrosa, V., Urena-Torres, P., Vervloet, M., & Cozzolino, M. (2016). Lack of evidence does not justify neglect: how can we address unmet medical needs in calciphylaxis?Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 31(8), 1211-1219. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfw025
    • Burgmaier, M., Schurgers, L., & Reutelingsperger, C. (2016). Response to letter to the editor: annexin A5 levels or circulating microparticles: what we see depends mainly on what we look for. Journal of Internal Medicine, 279(6), 606-607. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12459
    • Horn, P., Erkilet, G., Veulemans, V., Kroepil, P., Schurgers, L., Zeus, T., Heiss, C., Kelm, M., & Westenfeld, R. (2016). Microparticle-Induced Coagulation Relates to Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis. PLOS ONE, 11(3), Article e0151499. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0151499
    • Zaragatski, E., Grommes, J., Schurgers, L. J., Langer, S., Kennes, L., Tamm, M., Koeppel, T. A., Kranz, J., Hackhofer, T., Arakelyan, K., Jacobs, M. J., & Kokozidou, M. (2016). Vitamin K antagonism aggravates chronic kidney disease-induced neointimal hyperplasia and calcification in arterialized veins: role of vitamin K treatment?Kidney International, 89(3), 601-611. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2015.298
    • Schurgers, L. J., Burgmaier, M., Ueland, T., Schutters, K., Aakhus, S., Hofstra, L., Gullestad, L., Aukrust, P., Hellmich, M., Narula, J., & Reutelingsperger, C. P. (2016). Circulating annexin A5 predicts mortality in patients with heart failure. Journal of Internal Medicine, 279(1), 89-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12396
    • Schlieper, G., Schurgers, L., Brandenburg, V., Reutelingsperger, C., & Floege, J. (2016). Vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease: an update. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 31(1), 31-39. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfv111
    • E., H., Neradova, A., Schurgers, L., & Vervloet, M. (2016). L’influenza del fosforo, del calcio e del magnesio sulla proteina Gla di matrice e sul processo di calcificazione vascolare: una review sistematica. Giornale italiano di nefrologia : organo ufficiale della Società italiana di nefrologia, 33(6). https://giornaleitalianodinefrologia.it/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/12/GIN_A33V6_00248_5_en-1.pdf
  • 2015
    • Chatrou, M. L. L., Cleutjens, J. P., van der Vusse, G. J., Roijers, R. B., Mutsaers, P. H. A., & Schurgers, L. J. (2015). Intra-Section Analysis of Human Coronary Arteries Reveals a Potential Role for Micro-Calcifications in Macrophage Recruitment in the Early Stage of Atherosclerosis. PLOS ONE, 10(11), Article e0142335. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0142335
    • Vossen, L. M., Schurgers, L. J., van Varik, B. J., Kietselaer, B. L. J. H., Vermeer, C., Meeder, J. G., Rahel, B. M., van Cauteren, Y. J. M., Hoffland, G. A., Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., Reesink, K. D., de Leeuw, P. W., & Kroon, A. A. (2015). Menaquinone-7 Supplementation to Reduce Vascular Calcification in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Rationale and Study Protocol (VitaK-CAC Trial). Nutrients, 7(11), 8905-8915. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7115443
    • van Gorp, R. H., & Schurgers, L. J. (2015). New Insights into the Pros and Cons of the Clinical Use of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) Versus Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). Nutrients, 7(11), 9538-9557. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7115479
    • van Niel, G., Bergam, P., Di Cicco, A., Hurbain, I., Lo Cicero, A., Dingli, F., Palmulli, R., Fort, C., Potier, M. C., Schurgers, L. J., Loew, D., Levy, D., & Raposo, G. (2015). Apolipoprotein E Regulates Amyloid Formation within Endosomes of Pigment Cells. Cell Reports, 13(1), 43-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2015.08.057
    • Scheiber, D., Veulemans, V., Horn, P., Chatrou, M. L., Potthoff, S. A., Kelm, M., Schurgers, L. J., & Westenfeld, R. (2015). High-Dose Menaquinone-7 Supplementation Reduces Cardiovascular Calcification in a Murine Model of Extraosseous Calcification. Nutrients, 7(8), 6991-7011. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7085318
    • Kusters, D. H., Chatrou, M. L., Willems, B. A., De Saint-Hubert, M., Bauwens, M., van der Vorst, E., Bena, S., Biessen, E. A., Perretti, M., Schurgers, L. J., & Reutelingsperger, C. P. (2015). Pharmacological Treatment with Annexin A1 Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden in LDLR-/- Mice on Western Type Diet. PLOS ONE, 10(6), Article e0130484. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130484
    • Brandenburg, V. M., Schurgers, L. J., Kaesler, N., Puesche, K., van Gorp, R. H., Leftheriotis, G., Reinartz, S., Koos, R., & Krueger, T. (2015). Prevention of vasculopathy by vitamin K supplementation: Can we turn fiction into fact?Atherosclerosis, 240(1), 10-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.02.040
    • Kapustin, A. N., Chatrou, M. L. L., Drozdov, I., Zheng, Y., Davidson, S. M., Soong, D., Furmanik, M., Sanchis, P., De Rosales, R. T. M., Alvarez-Hernandez, D., Shroff, R., Yin, X., Muller, K., Skepper, J. N., Mayr, M., Reutelingsperger, C. P., Chester, A., Bertazzo, S., Schurgers, L. J., & Shanahan, C. M. (2015). Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification Is Mediated by Regulated Exosome Secretion. Circulation Research, 116(8), 1312-1323. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.305012
    • van der Vorst, E. P. C., Jeurissen, M., Wolfs, I. M. J., Keijbeck, A., Theodorou, K., Wijnands, E., Schurgers, L., Weber, S., Gijbels, M. J., Hamers, A. A. J., Dreymueller, D., Rose-John, S., de Winther, M. P. J., Ludwig, A., Saftig, P., Biessen, E. A. L., & Donners, M. M. P. C. (2015). Myeloid A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domain 10 Deficiency Modulates Atherosclerotic Plaque Composition by Shifting the Balance from Inflammation toward Fibrosis. American Journal of Pathology, 185(4), 1145-1155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.11.028
  • 2014
    • Schurgers, L. J., & Spronk, H. M. H. (2014). Differential cellular effects of old and new oral anticoagulants: consequences to the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 112(5), 909-917. https://doi.org/10.1160/TH14-03-0268
    • Burgmaier, M., Schutters, K., Willems, B., Van der Vorst, E. P. C., Kusters, D., Chatrou, M., Norling, L., Biessen, E. A. L., Cleutjens, J., Perretti, M., Schurgers, L. J., & Reutelingsperger, C. (2014). AnxA5 reduces plaque inflammation of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in apoE(-/-) mice. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 18(10), 2117-2124. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.12374
    • Krueger, T., Schlieper, G., Schurgers, L., Cornelis, T., Cozzolino, M., Jacobi, J., Jadoul, M., Ketteler, M., Rump, L. C., Stenvinkel, P., Westenfeld, R., Wiecek, A., Reinartz, S., Hilgers, R.-D., & Floege, J. (2014). Vitamin K1 to slow vascular calcification in haemodialysis patients (VitaVasK trial): a rationale and study protocol. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 29(9), 1633-1638. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gft459
    • Willems, B. A. G., Vermeer, C., Reutelingsperger, C. P. M., & Schurgers, L. J. (2014). The realm of vitamin K dependent proteins: Shifting from coagulation toward calcification. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 58(8), 1620-1635. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201300743
    • Li, Q., Brodsky, J. L., Conlin, L. K., Pawel, B., Glatz, A. C., Gafni, R. I., Schurgers, L., Uitto, J., Hakonarson, H., Deardorff, M. A., & Levine, M. A. (2014). Mutations in the ABCC6 Gene as a Cause of Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy: Genotypic Overlap with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 134(3), 658-665. https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2013.370
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