We aim to develop primary and stem cell-derived engineered cardiac tissues that closely mimic the electrical and mechanical function of adult cardiac muscle. Towards this goal, cardiomyocytes and other supporting non-myocytes are assembled into functional 3D tissues, exposed to diverse culture environments and characterized by a variety of structural, molecular, and functional tests both in vitro and after implantation in vivo. Specifically, within this research area we study:
- Roles of tissue micro- and macro-structure in cardiac action potential conduction and force generation
- Roles of heterocellular interactions in cardiac tissue function, disease, and repair
- Processes contributing to structural and functional maturation of cardiomyocytes during postnatal development
- Effects of drugs and genetic manipulations on cardiac function
- Cell- and gene-based repair of the heart following injury