Bianca Brundel
email: b.brundel@amsterdamumc.nl
Research interests
At Amsterdam UMC, Dr. Bianca J.J.M. Brundel leads translational research focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms driving atrial fibrillation (AF), with specific emphasis on structural remodeling, proteostasis dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation in atrial cardiomyopathy. Her work aims to identify early molecular markers and develop disease-modifying strategies to prevent AF onset and progression. Her team also works to translate scientific findings into clinical application. One example is the GENIALITY study, which evaluates the effect of existing and novel interventions targeting cellular stress pathways in patients with AF.
Dr. Brundel is co-founder of the AFIP Foundation (Atrial Fibrillation Innovation Platform), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing innovation in AF research through collaboration between scientists, clinicians, patients, and public stakeholders. She serves as the principal investigator and project leader of CIRCULAR, a national, multidisciplinary research initiative funded by the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA-ORC). CIRCULAR applies a citizen science approach to engage AF patients directly in research, by collecting experiences of AF patients, lifestyle factors, and triggers of AF, to identify early indicators and modifiable risk factors for atrial cardiomyopathy. The project represents a paradigm shift towards more personalized strategies in AF management and exemplifies the integration of fundamental physiology with societal impact.
Key publications
- Kuipers MF, Konus U, Brundel BJJM, Birbil Şİ. What drives patient awareness and engagement in online health communities? Emotion, topic, appeal, or linguistic style: a quasi-randomized online field experiment in an atrial fibrillation community. Nature njp Digital Medicine, in press.
- Pool L, van Wijk SW, van Schie MS, Taverne YJHJ, de Groot NMS, Brundel BJJM. Quantifying DNA Lesions and Circulating Free DNA: Diagnostic Marker for Electropathology and Clinical Stage of AF. JACC CE, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.10.008
- Brundel BJJM, et al. Atrial Fibrillation. Nature Reviews Disease Primer 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00347-9
- Li N, Brundel BJJM. Inflammasomes and Proteostasis Novel Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation Research 2020. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.119.316364
- Zhang D, Hu X, …. Brundel BJJM. DNA damage-induced PARP1 activation confers cardiomyocyte dysfunction through NAD+ depletion in experimental atrial fibrillation. Nature Communications 2019. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09014-2
Ongoing research projects
- SK4Block-AFHF: ERA4Health project, 2024-2029: https://afiponline.org/sk4block-afhf-project/
- CIRCULAR: 2022-2027 grant NWA-ORC of NWO) https://afiponline.org/circular-consortium/
- DnAFix (main applicant, 2020 -2025) grant on genetic AF (British HF, Dutch HF and DZKH)
Group members
- Jiabin Qin
- Kennedy Silva Ramos
- Stan van Wijk
- Wei Su
- Preetam Kishore
- Danish Sultan
- Mingxin Huang
- Leonoor Wijdeveld
- Fabries Huiskes
- Amélie Colinet
Technicians: Reinier van der Palen
Media
- Afib Talk Podcast (AFIP Foundation, 2024)
Focus on the GENIALITY study exploring geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) for postoperative atrial fibrillation prevention. [watch here] - Studio VU Podcast with Sem Barendse (VU Amsterdam, 2024)
In this VU-hosted podcast series, Sem Barendse (dialogue coordinator at VU) interviews Prof. Brundel and Heart Center Education Coordinator Elza van Deel on their project to bring students and patients with atrium fibrillation together. [read here] - NOS Nieuws, Trouw and Nu.nl (2022)
Coverage of Brundel’s nationally funded study on pesticide exposure as a potential trigger for atrial fibrillation. [Read here]
