The Vander Roest Cardiac Mechanobiology Lab opened its doors in 2023 and focuses on understanding the molecular basis of cardiac contraction and the cellular responses that affect changes in the heart during disease. We use a combination of in vitro cell systems (primarily human iPSC-derived heart cells) as well as computational models to understand the mechanisms of force generation, propagation and remodeling in the heart. We are also developing 3D engineered heart tissues and studying the impact of both cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts on tissue remodeling.
