Welcome to the Kwan Lab

Our lab works on translational research to understand the mechanisms behind how clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a condition of aging and other novel somatic variants may impact cardiovascular health using a multi-omics approach, including genomics, cytokine/biomarker profiling, bioengineering with engineered heart tissues and imaging with cardiac MRI. CHIP has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke and death. Yet there are no approved therapies or monitoring guidelines. Our lab has identified novel somatic variants that impact survival in heart failure and identified some novel biomarkers in patients with CHIP. Our goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve cardiovascular outcomes in these patients and provide insights into aging.