Prof. Dr. Jean Claude Perriard

ETH Zurich
Formerly at Institute of Cell Biology
(New: Insitute of Molecular Health Sciences)

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Biogenesis of Heart Cytoarchitecture

The heart is vital for maintaining life by circulating fluids containing oxygen, nutrients and waste. Cardiomyocytes have a unique cytoarchitecture and generate force by contraction of myofibrils. Their force is transmitted by intercalated discs, cell-cell contacts exclusive to heart. Explorations of structure/function focus on:

Assembly of sarcomeres
Integration of myofibrils into heart muscle
Maintenance of contraction in developing & diseased heart