cell transplantation into myocardial scar tissue to regenerate damaged myocardium and restore cardiac function after myocardial infarction
tissue engineering to grow an autologous myocardial tissue to repair the damaged heart or heart defect
Cell Transplantation:
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since heart failure after heart attack is due to loss of cardiac cells and inability of muscle cell regeneration, I hypothesized implantation healthy muscle cells into damaged myocardium will repair the damaged tissue and improve heart function. In 1996 I demonstrated for a first time that cells transplanted into myocardial scar tissue survived, developed into muscle tissue and improved heart function. Currently I am investigating optimal cell type and conditions for transplanted cells to improve heart function using small and large animal models. I also study the mechanism for transplanted cells to improve heart function. These studies will provide important information for clinical trials.
This project is being supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health and Research and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
Tissue engineering:
I have established technology to culture cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in three-dimensions in biodegradable materials. In a cardiomyocyte study, the tissue-engineered mesh beats regularly and spontaneously in vitro and in vivo. Currently, I am using an autologous tissue-engineered mesh to repair the damaged myocardial tissue.
This project is funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and Canadian Institutes of Health and Research.
Additional Appointments
Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Toronto
