The Parcc

The Paris Cardiovascular Research Center

The PARCC (Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, UMR U970) successfully united a significant group of basic and clinical scientists who share a common vision and goals in cardiovascular research. PARCC research spans from fundamental molecular and cellular biology to integrated physiology, pathophysiology, biomarkers, genetics, and epidemiology. The overarching objective is to gain a deeper, more mechanistic understanding of pathological processes in vascular, cardiac, and kidney diseases, as well as the interplay between cardiology and oncology.

PARCC teams are also actively developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Translational research is a core component of the PARCC's mission, fostered through close collaboration with clinical laboratories and departments at the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou (HEGP).

Recent publications

Interplay between Netrin-1 and Norrin controls arteriovenous zonation of blood–retina barrier integrity.

PNAS 2024 121 (52) e2408674121

Jessica Furtado, Luiz Henrique Geraldo, Felipe Saceanu Leser, Bartlomiej Bartkowiak, Mathilde Poulet, Hyojin Park, Mark Robinson, Laurence Pibouin-Fragner, Anne Eichmann, Kevin Boyé.

See paper

Zonation and ligand and dose dependence of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 signalling in blood and lymphatic vasculature.

Cardiovascular Research 2024 Nov 25;120(14):1794-1810

Ilaria Del Gaudio, Anja Nitzsche, Kevin Boyé, Philippe Bonnin, Mathilde Poulet, Toan Q Nguyen, Ludovic Couty, Hoa TT Ha, Dat T Nguyen, Amaury Cazenave-Gassiot, Khaoula Ben Alaya, Patrice Thérond, Jerold Chun, Markus R Wenk, Richard L Proia, Daniel Henrion, Long N Nguyen, Anne Eichmann, Eric Camerer

See paper

Mission and Objectives

The PARCC is dedicated to experimental, disease-focused research with the primary aim of accelerating the generation of fundamental knowledge concerning the cellular and molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Our core mission is to cultivate an exceptional scientific and medical environment that fosters excellence in cardiovascular and renal translational research.

Our primary goals are to:

1. Conduct internationally leading laboratory-to-bedside research programs that investigate the fundamental molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms underlying both normal and abnormal cardiovascular function and diseases.

2. Foster a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that encourages the pursuit of imaginative and innovative research programs, leveraging the complementary expertise of PARCC teams in cell and molecular biology, physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, immunology, endocrinology, genetics, epidemiology, and imaging.

3. Translate this research into improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for human cardiovascular and renal diseases.

4. Provide an optimal research environment equipped with cutting-edge technologies.

5. Impart high-quality research training to both non-clinical and clinical scientists.

Our strategy to achieve these objectives is multifaceted, built upon the expertise of our teams in both basic and clinical translational research. We actively encourage internal collaborations and foster strong interactions with clinical divisions (cardiology, cardiovascular prevention, hypertension, medicine, genetics, cardiac and vascular surgery), as well as with the Clinical Investigation Center and the Clinical Research Unit at HEGP hospital.

Key Dates

2025: INSERM and Université Paris-Cité restructure the PARCC once again, appointing Jean-Sébastien Silvestre, a Research Director at INSERM, as the new Director. Thirteen research teams are approved, including one AVENIR team and one Junior INSERM Chair team. The center’s staff has grown to 350 members.

2019: INSERM and Université Paris-Cité restructure the PARCC, appointing Chantal Boulanger, a Research Director at INSERM, as the new Director. Thirteen research teams are approved, including one AVENIR team, and the center now employs 300 staff members.

2014: INSERM and Paris Descartes University restructure the PARCC, with Alain Tedgui continuing as Director. The center now comprises 14 research teams, including one AVENIR team, and employs 250 staff members.

2009: INSERM and Paris Descartes University officially establish the PARCC, comprising eleven research teams, including two AVENIR teams, and employing 160 staff members. A grand opening ceremony is held in the presence of the Minister for Research and Higher Education and the Minister of Health.

2007: Alain Tedgui, a Research Director at INSERM, is appointed as the director of the HEGP Research Center, which is subsequently named PARCC. Eight research teams are selected for the center following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an international review committee.

2006: INSERM, Paris Descartes University, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris decide to dedicate the new research building primarily, though not exclusively, to cardiovascular research. An international search is initiated to appoint a director for the HEGP Research Center.

2005: The foundation stone for a new research building is laid at the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou (HEGP).