Our group investigates novel regenerative therapies for heart failure. Myocardial injury results in an irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes, and our aim is to develop stem–cell-based strategies to remuscularize the failing heart. A principal focus of our research is therefore understanding the modes of action of different proposed regenerative approaches to support their eventual translation to the clinic. To dissect the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration, we combine cardiac tissue engineering and animal models with the use of chemogenetic and optogenetic tools.

1. Tissue engineering – Studying human cardiac pathophysiology in a dish
Combining tissue engineering and stem-cell biology allows us to generate three-dimensional human tissue constructs that have organotypic function and structurally resemble native myocardium. We use this engineered heart tissue as a model system to simulate myocardial injury and study human pathophysiology in a dish, with the aim of identifying new drug targets. In this line of research, we are particularly interested in the interplay between cardiac work and cell cycle activity.

2. Cardiomyocyte transplantation – Remuscularizing the failing heart
One of the most attractive strategies for cardiac regeneration is the transplantation of pluripotent stem–cell-derived cardiomyocytes to add new myocytes to the injured heart. This approach is being assessed in advanced preclinical trials, and the first clinical trial has begun. Nevertheless, important hurdles remain on the route to clinical cardiomyocyte transplantation. Our group is working on strategies in two key areas: improving cell engraftment and suppressing engraftment-induced arrythmias after cardiomyocyte transplantation.