Meet Our Team
We study the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases using genomics, with a particular focus on the vascular wall and its role in disease pathology. Our team operates across both the University of Helsinki and Tampere University.
Summer retreat 2025 group photo
Lab Members
Markus Ramste
Principal Investigator
​I’m a physician-scientist and cardiology fellow and the principal investigator of this research group. I received my M.D. from Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich and my Ph.D. from the University of Helsinki. My interest in functional genomics developed during my postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University, where I worked with Professor Thomas Quertermous. I also have a strong background in vascular biology, gained during my Ph.D. training with Professor Kari Alitalo.
My research focuses on coronary artery disease, spanning both preclinical and clinical studies. I’m particularly involved in projects related to diagnostic tools (including AI-based approaches), pharmacogenomics, functional genomics, and the cellular mechanisms underlying coronary artery disease.
Nuutti Lahtinen
PhD Student
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I completed my Master’s degree in Molecular Biology at Tampere University, where I investigated inherited cardiomyopathies using iPSC models and gene-editing tools. I'm particularly interested in how genetic variants shape individual phenotypes in disease contexts. My research aims to uncover how vascular cell dysfunction, particularly in the endothelium, influences the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, with an emphasis on atherosclerosis.
Beata Hanhisalo
BSc Student
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I am a third-year student in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering at Tampere University. This summer, I have been working on differentiating human iPS cells into endothelial and smooth muscle cells, gaining practical experience. I am currently writing my bachelor’s thesis, and next, I will focus on flow modeling using microfluidic chip systems. My exchange year in New York and my role as treasurer of the university’s finance club Markka, have really sparked my interest in startups. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and relaxing with a good book.
Tuulia Niittuinperä
MD-PhD Student
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I am currently studying medicine at the University of Helsinki and hold a background in bioinformation technology. With a long-standing interest in genetics and its clinical applications, I am pursuing my doctoral thesis in our research group. My main focus has been in the field of bioinformatics, particularly in single-cell data analysis.
Riku Martikkala
Master Thesis Student
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MSc in Organic Chemistry. I’m currently working with iPSCs, focusing on vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation.
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Mystica Sahaya
Master Thesis Student​
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I’m Mystica, a Master’s student in Biomedical Informatics at Tampere University, with a keen interest in experimental cell biology and computational tools. My current work focuses on iPSC-derived smooth muscle cells and vascular calcification, alongside experience in endothelial cell culture, RNA-seq, staining, and imaging. Outside the lab, I enjoy baking, city walks, and nature hikes.
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Elias Kujanpää
MD Student​
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