Marga-and-Walter-Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

PD Dr. Kurt Pfannkuche

Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology

University of Cologne

Website Publications

Our lab focusses on induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. We aim to optimize transplantation of micro-tissues into the myocardium after myocardial infarction. Micro-tissues refer to aggregates of organotypic cells with defined size and cellular composition. Current projects of the group address questions of cell engraftment in different animal models. Improved bioreactor technologies and 3D culture models are being developed. We are further interested in developing artificial cardiac tissues that are generated from pluripotent stem cell derived cells. In this respect, formation of artificial vessel structures to provide oxygen and nutrients to the artificial myocardium is part of ongoing research activities. Finally, the group addresses mechanism of cardiac fibrosis with focus on the role of cardiomyocytes in cardiac matrix homeostasis.


Tags:  Mesenchymal Stem Cells  Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells  Embryonal Stem Cells  Heart  Bone & Cartilage  Reprogramming  Tissue Engineering  Organoids  Biomaterials  Preclinical Trials  Transplantation  Translational Research