I am a researcher actively developing viral vectors for improved gene therapies. My focus in recent years has been to address the unmet need for targeted vectors that can regulate gene expression in specific cell lines. We use elements from super-enhancers which are clusters of enhancers in the genome, to regulate the expression of transgenes to endothelial cells. Our interest in endothelial cells goes hand-in-hand with our aim to improve angiogenic gene therapy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. In addition, to the translational projects that I manage, we are also pursuing new therapeutic targets for angiogenesis. For this endeavour, we are studying the non-coding genome. Our aim is to better understand the different regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (including enhancers, small and circular RNAs) in affecting gene expression. Gained knowledge and new discoveries will open new avenues for therapeutic developments.
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Caridac vein retroinjections provide an efficient approach for global left ventricular gene transfer with adenovirus and adeno-associated virus
Lampela, Jaakko; Pajula, Juho; Jarvelainen, Niko; Siimes, Satu; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Kivela, Antti; Mushimiyimana, Isidore; Nurro, Jussi; Hartikainen, Juha; Yla-Herttuala, Seppo. 2024. Scientific reports. 14: -
Cell-Specific Targeting of the Endothelium in the CardioRenal Syndrome
Laham-Karam, Nihay; Laakkonen, Johanna P; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo; Aroor, Annayya; Jia, Guanghong; Whaley-Connell, Adam. 2024. Cardiorenal medicine. 14: 129–135 -
Establishment and characterization of cytochrome P450 1A1 CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout Bovine Foetal Hepatocyte Cell Line (BFH12)
Iori, Silvia; D’Onofrio, Caterina; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Mushimiyimana, Isidore; Lucatello, Lorena; Lopparelli, Rosa Maria; Gelain, Maria Elena; Capolongo, Francesca; Pauletto, Marianna; Dacasto, Mauro; Giantin, Mery. 2024. Cell biology and toxicology. 40: . 18 -
Generation and characterization of cytochrome P450 3A74 CRISPR/Cas9 knockout bovine foetal hepatocyte cell line (BFH12)
Iori, Silvia; D'Onofrio, Caterina; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Mushimiyimana, Isidore; Lucatello, Lorena; Montanucci, Ludovica; Maria Lopparelli, Rosa; Bonsembiante, Federico; Capolongo, Francesca; Pauletto, Marianna; Dacasto, Mauro; Giantin, Mery. 2024. Biochemical pharmacology. 224: -
Proteomics on human cerebral cavernous malformations reveals novel biomarkers in neurovascular dysfunction for the disease pathology
Jauhiainen, Suvi; Onyeogaziri, Favour C; Lazzaroni, Francesca; Conze, Lei Liu; Laakkonen, Johanna P.; Karam, Nihay Laham; Laakso, Aki; Niemelä, Mika; Jahromi, Behnam Rezai; Magnusson, Peetra U.. 2024. Biochimica et biophysica acta: molecular basis of disease. 1870: -
BMP2 gene transfer induces pericardial effusion and inflammatory response in the ischemic porcine myocardium
Pulkkinen, HH; Kivistö-Rahnasto, A; Korpela, H; Heikkilä, M; Järveläinen, N; Siimes, S; Kilpeläinen, L; Laham-Karam, N; Ylä-Herttuala, S; Laakkonen, JP. 2023. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 10: . 1279613 -
Comparison of Automated and Traditional Western Blotting Methods
Sormunen, Aino; Koivulehto, Emma; Alitalo, Kari; Saksela, Kalle; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2023. Methods and protocols. 6: -
Critical limb-threatening ischemia and microvascular transformation: clinical implications
Tarvainen, Santeri; Wirth, Galina; Juusola, Greta; Hautero, Olli; Kalliokoski, Kari; Sjöros, Tanja; Nikulainen, Veikko; Taavitsainen, Jouni; Hytönen, Jarkko; Frimodig, Crister; Happonen, Krista; Selander, Tuomas; Laitinen, Tomi; Hakovirta, Harri H; Knuuti, Juhani; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Hartikainen, Juha; Mäkinen, Kimmo; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo; Korpisalo, Petra. 2023. European heart journal. 2024; 45: 255-264 -
Deletion of the murine ortholog of human 9p21.3 locus promotes atherosclerosis by increasing macrophage proinflammatory activity
Kettunen, Sanna; Ruotsalainen, Anna-Kaisa; Örd, Tiit; Suoranta, Tuisku; Heikkilä, Janne; Kaikkonen, Minna U.; Laham-Karam, Nihay; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo. 2023. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 10: . 1113890 -
ErbB signalling is a potential therapeutic target for vascular lesions with fibrous component
Jauhiainen, Suvi; Ilmonen, Henna; Vuola, Pia; Rasinkangas, Heta; Pulkkinen, Heidi H; Keränen, Sara; Kiema, Miika; Liikkanen, Jade J; Laham Karam, Nihay; Laidinen, Svetlana; Beter, Mustafa; Aavik, Einari; Lappalainen, Kimmo; Lohi, Jouko; Aronniemi, Johanna; Örd, Tiit; Kaikkonen, Minna U; Salminen, Päivi; Tukiainen, Erkki; Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo; Laakkonen, Johanna P. 2023. eLife. 12: