Our Research

Our laboratory uses an integrative approach to assess cardiovascular physiology, including subcellular mechanistic studies, 3D tissue-engineered cardiac models, whole heart optical mapping, and in vivo electrophysiology.

Cell Model

Cardiomyocyte cell models enable the direct observation of cellular interaction and communication. Fluorescent staining with voltage and calcium-sensitive dyes allows us to monitor calcium handling and electrical activity using microscopy. Cardiomyocyte activity is monitored under control conditions or in response to drug or chemical exposure.

Langendorff Perfused Heart Model

Retrograde perfusion of an intact heart preparation is a simple way to preserve coronary flow while allowing for optical mapping of calcium and/or voltage indicators. In addition to optical mapping, cardiac preparations are used to assess electrical and mechanical activity under normal conditions, in response to drug or chemical exposure or in pathological conditions (e.g., congenital heart defect model).