Who we are.
The Kirk lab is part of the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.
Under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Kirk, our team is passionate about understanding cardiovascular disease and discovering novel treatments to help patients.
What we study.
The heart is made up of millions of individual cells, containing a lattice structure of molecular motors, called the sarcomere. Most diseases that affect the heart impact its ability to contract and relax - which is why we study the sarcomere to understand and treat cardiovascular disease.
Using sophisticated single cell biophysical approaches, cutting-edge mass spectrometry, iPSC biology, and other technologies, we delve into the molecular mechanisms of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Where are support comes from.
Our work is supported by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, industry partners, UChicago, donors and grateful patients.
Click here if you are interested in how you can help support our efforts to improve the lives of people affected by cardiovascular disease.