Name: Matúš Miklovič
Affiliation: Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague Czech Republic
Second faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mat%C3%BA%C5%A1-miklovi%C4%8D-b344901a9/
x: https://x.com/MiklovicMatus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matusmiklovic/
Institutional social media:
Tell us about yourself.
I am a physiologist and a final-year PhD student at Charles University in Prague, working at the Experimental
Medicine Centre at Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine. My research primarily focuses on heart failure, particularly using preclinical models. I work with various animal models, including volume overload and myocardial infarction models of heart failure, often connected with secondary diseases like hypertension or chronic kidney disease, to better understand the mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction. I am passionate about translational research and my training integrates in vivo physiology with elements of molecular biology.
What are your research interests?
My primary research interests include heart failure pathophysiology, ventricular remodelling, cardiac function, and the differences between left and right ventricular responses to stress. I am also interested in hypertension, pulmonary vascular disease, and autonomic neural regulation and the cardio-renal axis. I focus on integrating physiological, hemodynamic, and molecular approaches to better understand the mechanisms behind cardiac dysfunction and potential therapeutic strategies. Studying right ventricular function and its deterioration under various disease conditions is a particular area of interest, especially in the context of pulmonary hypertension and biventricular heart failure.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently involved in several projects at our institute, focusing on both basic and preclinical cardiovascular research. Currently my main project of interest is the development and characterization of a novel animal model of biventricular heart failure associated with pulmonary hypertension. This model aims to mimic the clinical progression of heart failure with both left and right ventricular dysfunction to provide a better use for evaluating experimental therapies. I also contribute to collaborative studies exploring neurohormonal regulation, and the role of sympathetic nervous system in cardiac remodelling and dysfunction.
What do you hope to achieve in the field of hypertension over the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I aim to continue my research career as a postdoctoral fellow abroad to gain broader international experience and enhance my expertise. My goal is to contribute to high-quality, translational research and build strong collaborations across disciplines and institutions.
What challenges have you faced in your career to date?.
One of the main challenges I have faced, which I believe is common among PhD students, is finding a balance between contributing to multiple research projects and dedicating enough focused time to my dissertation work. Doing experimental work, manuscript writing, data analysis, and academic responsibilities requires careful time management and prioritization. However, I see this as a valuable learning experience that has strengthened my organizational and collaborative skills and helped me become more efficient and resilient in a demanding research environment.
Which of your publications are you proudest of and why?
I am most proud of the following paper:
Miklovič M, Gawryś O, Honetschlägerová Z, Kala P, Husková Z, Kikerlová S, Vaňourková Z, Jíchová Š, Kvasilová A, Kitamoto M, Maxová H, Puertas-Frias G, Mráček T, Sedmera D, Melenovský V. Renal denervation improves cardiac function independently of afterload and restores myocardial norepinephrine levels in a rodent heart failure model. Hypertens Res. 2024;47(10):2718–2730. doi: 10.1038/s41440-024-01580-3.
This study represents a major outcome of my doctoral work. It provided novel insights into the mechanisms by which renal denervation influences cardiac function, independently of systemic blood pressure effects, and highlighted the role of myocardial sympathetic tone in heart failure progression. The results from this project and its ongoing experiments were awarded on multiple congresses including 2024 ISH New Investigator Award (Cartagena, Colombia) and 2023 ISH Young investigator award (Kyoto, Japan).
What is your favourite manuscript from a lab other than your own?
One of my favourite papers is:
Polhemus D, Trivedi R, Gao J, et al. Renal Sympathetic Denervation Protects the Failing Heart Via Inhibition of Neprilysin Activity in the Kidney. JACC. 2017;70(17):2139–2153. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.08.056
This work elegantly combines renal and cardiac physiology and demonstrates the influence of renal denervation, its effects on heart failure and describes a mechanism linking the kidney and heart via neprilysin activity.
What are your passions outside of work?
Outside of science, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, and observing wildlife. In my free time I am also passionate about universe, astrobiology, and I also enjoy reading about new technologies and scientific innovations. Physical activity is an essential part of my lifestyle. I run, swim, and train in the gym.