Electrical Pacemakers for Stem Cell-Derived Striated Muscle Models

Project Summary:

The goal of this project is to develop novel pacemakers for a stem cell-based platform to study Ca2+ kinetics and contraction in striated (cardiac and skeletal) muscle cells. The research team will develop this platform as a resource for cardiac and skeletal muscle researchers in the southeast Wisconsin region. 

The health disparities of patients from each city or state represent a unique mix that is unlike anywhere else, highlighting the need for local level information. The ability of patients to achieve health equity is known to be directly impacted by institutional factors (e.g. economic, legal, environmental). What is less considered is the unique genetic makeup of the local residents. However, there is no framework nor platform to investigate what impacts Wisconsin patients at the cell and molecular level.

The project’s long-term goal is to expedite the translation of preclinical therapies into clinical breakthroughs.

Collaborator: Marquette University