Andrea Heinz

Associate professor
Education
Ph.D. in Pharmacy
Work areas
Forsker
Telephone
Email
andrea.heinz@sund.ku.dk
Orcid ID
0000-0002-8609-4460
vCard
Download
Links
Linkedin
Current workplace

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen
Universitetsparken 2
2100 København Ø
Denmark

Current Research

My research investigates how the extracellular matrix (ECM)—particularly elastin and other long-lived proteins—undergoes changes in structure, mechanics, and molecular composition with age and disease. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, degradomics, and spatial proteomics, alongside advanced imaging techniques, we map degradation, cross-linking, and non-enzymatic modifications—such as aspartate racemization and glycation—within tissues like the skin.

Current projects focus on the role of oxidative stress in the structural integrity of skin elastin, as well as ECM remodeling in the context of psoriasis and skin aging, with the aim of identifying novel blood-based biomarkers for molecular endotyping. The ultimate goal is to translate fundamental knowledge regarding matrix aging into new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main interests

  • Ekstracellulær matrix
  • Hudaldring og aldringsinterventioner
  • Massespektrometribaseret proteomics, degradomics og spatial proteomics
  •  Posttranslationelle modifikationer af langlivede proteiner
  • Biomarkører for hudsygdomme og -aldring
  • Kutan drug delivery og responsive biomaterialer

PhD thesis

PhD thesis:

Novel approaches for physicochemical characterisation and quantification of amorphous pharmaceutical compounds

Place:

University of Otago, New Zealand

Year:

2008

 

 

Short description

Chair of the Danish Society for Matrix Biology (DSMB), board member of the International Society of Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology (ISECMP), and Chair of the European Elastin Meeting 2026. Editor for the *European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics*.

Has supervised 8 PhD students and over 30 master’s students, and currently supervises 7 PhD students. Regularly communicates research on skin and aging in national media (more than 50 appearances), at the *Forskningens Døgn* (Day of Research) festival, and at the *Folkeuniversitetet* (People’s University).

Publikationer

Gürtler AL, Sirois JP, Heckenbach IJ, Scherf-Clavel O, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Heinz A. Topical and systemic skin aging interventions: Evidence, pitfalls and perspectives. Biochem Pharmacol. 2026;249:117898.

Sirois JP, Heinz A. Matrikines in the skin: Origin, effects, and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther. 2024;260:108682

Noddeland HK, Lind M, Jensen LB, Petersson K, Skak-Nielsen T, Larsen FH, Malmsten M, Heinz A. Design and Characterization of Matrix Metalloproteinase-Responsive Hydrogels for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Acta Biomater. 2023;157:149-161.

Heinz A. Elastic fibers during aging and disease. Ageing Res Rev. 2021;66:101255.

Heinz A. Elastases and elastokines: elastin degradation and its significance in health and disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 2020;55(3):252-273.

Related employees