Bernhard Kuhn

While much is understood about the mechanisms of the human heart, when it is examined on the cellular and molecular level, many mysteries remain. Notably, these specialized contractile cells, called cardiomyocytes, are exceptional in that they lack the ability to replicate and proliferate, processes that are necessary to repair tissue damage and restore normal function. Our innovative work has already provided insight into the growth mechanisms of these cells. The Kühn Lab’s long-term goal is to regenerate human hearts. This involves developing therapies that can help the heart muscle, the myocardium, to heal itself – to recover from a heart attack, or to help it restore a congenital heart defect to normal cardiac function without requiring surgery.