Charles Chung

We are investigating clinically translatable and basic science problems in diastolic function, using integrative muscle physiology methods. Our goals are to 1) determine targets for pharmacologic improvement of cardiac performance and/or 2) determine improved non-invasive measures of cardiac function to assist in care.

Project: Myocardial Relaxation
We are investigating an American Heart Association funded project to understand the how the heart relaxes after contraction. Our data suggests that quickly stretching a muscle that is undergoing deactivation (reduced calcium) can accelerate relaxation. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms that might make a heart relax faster- including changing the passive stiffness and/or modifying myofilament kinetics. The project primarily utilizes intact myocyte, intact myofiber (trabeculae), and in vivo measurements of force (pressure) and muscle length. These data are supported by biochemical measurements of muscle proteins. We aim to establish how elastic proteins and myofilament regulatory proteins modify the relationship between myocardial stretch and relaxation.

Project: Ultrasound to Measure Organ Structure and Physical Properties
We are establishing a research project to investigate cardiac structure using ultrasound. We aim to measure cardiac fiber structure and orientation in rodents using ultrasound- first in vitro, then in vivo. We also collaborate to advance tissue and vascular characterization to improve non-invasive measurements of physical properties of organs, including fibrosis.