/ News, People / Xiomara Banholzer
Welcome to the Team - Frauke von Versen Lab!
Prof. Dr. Frauke von Versen has been appointed Clinical Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology at the Medical Faculty of the University of Basel. She is also Head of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the Research Group Leader of the Reproductive Biology and Health Laboratory at the Department of Biomedicine (DBM).
Her research aims to advance the understanding of reproductive biology and women’s health through an interdisciplinary approach that combines basic science, translational, and clinical research. A central focus of her work is investigating maternal and fetal outcomes following assisted reproductive technologies, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and altered fetal growth.
In this context, Prof. von Versen studies endocrine signals originating from the corpus luteum and their role in processes such as decidualization and endothelial function. She also investigates the pathomechanisms of endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting millions of women worldwide. This disease is increasingly associated with cardiovascular risk through mechanisms including chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Her team uses advanced 3D and organoid models to investigate the molecular pathways linking endometriosis with reproductive and cardiovascular diseases. Another important area of research is the connection between reproductive and premature vascular aging, which may increase cardiovascular risk later in life among women with fertility disorders.
Prof. von Versen and her team are studying these interconnected pathways to develop preventive strategies that improve reproductive health and long-term cardiovascular well-being throughout the lifespan.
We are pleased to welcome the ‘Reproductive Biology and Health’ research group at the DBM and wish them a successful start.