Cardiac regeneration and repair

The long-held dogma that adult mammal hearts have no ability to regenerate in response to disease or injury has recently been challenged with the report of stem-like cells identified in the heart. However, how to harness the potential of these stem cells - which are rare in adults and are compromised by aging - remains a significant challenge.

Green tissue macrophages that may regulate resident stem cell-mediated regeneration in the heart (Alex Pinto & Nadia Rosenthal)

This research program will explore - at a molecular and systems biology level - how “stemness” is maintained and how cardiac stem cell populations compromised by aging and disease might be rejuvenated. By better understanding the processes that underlie this phenomenon, and working in collaboration with biomaterials scientists, this consortium will advance the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals, bioengineered matrices, and cell-based therapies for heart disease.

Led by Professor Nadia Rosenthal, this research program includes Australia’s leading experts in cardiac stem cells from Monash University, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales and CSIRO.