Towards new therapies: can we beat genetic cardiomyopathies?
Can damaged heart cells be repaired instead of treated? During her PhD, Su Ji Han uncovered new ways to do just that. In the Van Rooij group, she discovered how inherited mutations disrupt the structure and energy production of heart muscle cells and showed that these defects can be reversed in human stem cell-derived heart muscle cells. Her research identifies promising new therapeutic strategies for inherited heart diseases that currently have no cure. On July 2, Su Ji Han successfully defended her PhD thesis.
Mutations are changes in DNA and occur naturally. Some of them arise spontaneously, while others are inherited from our parents. Most mutations have little or no effect on health, but some alter the function of genes and can contribute to inherited disorders or other diseases.
In the heart, inherited mutations can cause diseases that alter the structure and function of the heart muscle. These conditions may lead to dangerous heart rhythms, heart failure or even sudden cardiac death. Su Ji investigated these disorders, known as genetic cardiomyopathies.
About Regenerative Medicine Utrecht
Regenerative Medicine Utrecht(RMU) is a world-renowned collaboration of excellent knowledge institutes and start-ups, located at the Utrecht Science Park. We bring together researchers from UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University (UU) and the Hubrecht Institute. Our focus is on restoring health and vitality instead of symptom control. By repairing, replacing, or regenerating cells, tissues, and organs, we aim to cure patients.