Eric M. Small

This study shows that Pkp2 deficiency in epicardium-derived cells leads to fibro-inflammatory signaling and contributes to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy pathogenesis.

This study shows that loss of PKP2 in cardiomyocytes induces pro-inflammatory senescence in non-myocytes and premature cardiac aging, linking desmosomal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy to cellular senescence and aging mechanisms.

This study shows that deleting RSK2 kinase in aged mice reduces hypertension by improving vascular relaxation and reducing vessel stiffness.

This study shows FZD2 inhibits YAP and prevents adult murine cardiomyocytes from reentering the cell cycle, and its deletion improves heart function and reduces scarring after myocardial infarction.

This study shows that sarcomere assembly via ACTN2 and MRTF-SRF signaling promotes cardiomyocyte maturation through a positive feedback loop.