The Lillehei Heart Institute

04/24/2026

How do macrophages talk to T cells during heart failure? 🗣️💔
In our latest paper in , Fernando Neto, PhD and the van Berlo Lab reveal that CXCL10 is the key. This macrophage-derived chemokine doesn't just signal—it actively drives hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction.
A major step forward in understanding immune-mediated cardiac remodeling!

04/24/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to our very own Sasha Prisco, MD, PhD, for being named a 2026 Jenesis Emerging Trailblazer by United Therapeutics! 🏆

This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Prisco’s innovative research into Pulmonary Hypertension and her groundbreaking work on the gut-lung/heart axis to improve right ventricular function. As a physician-scientist at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Prisco is paving the way for new, life-saving therapies for patients with rare lung diseases.

We are so proud to see her hard work and dedication to the PH community honored on the national stage! 🫁✨

04/01/2026

Exciting news from the Lillehei Heart Institute! Professor Rita Perlingeiro and researcher Karim Azzag have published a comprehensive review in Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, exploring the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy for skeletal muscle disorders. From iPSCs to innovative delivery strategies, this work highlights the path toward life-changing treatments for muscular dystrophy and beyond.

Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169409X26000931

04/01/2026

Congratulations to LHI Director Lin Yee Chen, MBBS, MS, who has been named a Distinguished McKnight University Professor. The University of Minnesota recognized Dr. Chen for his pioneering research in Atrial Myopathy. Demonstrating that the impairment increases stroke and dementia risk, even without AF, he set the foundation for landmark clinical trials testing the efficacy of blood-thinning medications in preventing stroke and dementia in patients with atrial myopathy alone. This marked a major paradigm shift in cardiovascular disease prevention.

03/27/2026

Congratulations, Andrew!

Congratulations to Cardiovascular Medicine Chief Fellow Andrew Hughes, MD, on co-authoring a new European Heart Journal review on wearable tech in cardiovascular care—covering clinical uses, AI, evidence gaps, and barriers to adoption.

Read more: http://z.umn.edu/b6on

03/27/2026

Addressing a global epidemic affecting 1% of the population, the University of Minnesota has launched a specialized Pulmonary Hypertension fellowship. Learn more about the exciting new program that is currently taking applications.
https://z.umn.edu/pulmonary-hypertension-fellowship

03/20/2026

Registration open!! 🗓️ The ISHR North American Section 2026 - Twin Cities.
This year, we’re heading to the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to focus on a vital mission: Promoting the Next Generation of Basic and Translational Scientists. Whether you’re an early-career investigator or a seasoned pro, this is the place to be for the latest in cardiovascular science. 🫀🔬
✅ Registration is now open! https://ishrnorthamerican.org/meetings/
See you in Minneapolis! 🏙️

03/20/2026

Great news! 🎉 Dr. Michael Zhang has been awarded a Career Development Award from the American Heart Association to help fight atrial fibrillation.

His work isn't just about treating heart rhythm disorders—it's about stopping them in their tracks by identifying the molecules that damage the heart muscle early on. Congratulations, Dr. Zhang, on this well-deserved recognition and funding!

Full story here: z.umn.edu/ZhangAHA

03/20/2026

Global hearts, local impact. 🌍❤️

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Jop van Berlo (UMN) and Dr. Silvia Guatimosim (UFMG, Brazil) have been honored with the American Heart Association’s International Visiting Professor Award!

This partnership creates an international bridge to advance our understanding of cardiovascular physiology and cardiac remodeling. When world-class experts in genetic engineering and molecular cardiology join forces, the potential for breakthrough discovery is limitless.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. van Berlo and Dr. Guatimosim on this incredible achievement! 🎉

03/03/2026

02/17/2026

Join us for the Department of Medicine’s Grand Rounds Series at 12:15 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, featuring Cardiovascular Medicine Associate Professor Selma Carlson, MD.
Dr. Carlson will present “Ischemic Heart Disease in Women – Role of Multimodality Imaging and Multidisciplinary Approach for Better Outcomes.”
In VCRC 299 & on Zoom.
🥪 Sandwiches available for in-person attendees.
Learn more and access login info: https://lnkd.in/gZJQ7wud

Join us for the Department of Medicine’s Grand Rounds Series at 12:15 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026, featuring Cardiovascular Medicine Associate Professor Selma Carlson, MD.

Dr. Carlson will present “Ischemic Heart Disease in Women – Role of Multimodality Imaging and Multidisciplinary Approach for Better Outcomes.”

In VCRC 299 & on Zoom.

🥪 Sandwiches available for in-person attendees.

Learn more and access login info: https://lnkd.in/gZJQ7wud

02/13/2026

Today LHI Faculty & staff celebrate "Love Your Heart" Day to support women's heart health! 🫀🥰
Wanna join us? Share your own Go Red photos with hashtags and !