Therapeutic strategies to rescue damaged heart

Juntao Fang

What was your PhD about? 

"During my PhD, my research focused on developing novel treatments for heart failure. I've explored a wide variety of therapeutic approach: miRNA therapy, direct cardiac reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, mechanical unloading to induce reverse cardiac remodeling, and cardiomyocyte ploidy manipulation. Each approach target a different causes of heart failure, but I mainly focused on a ischemia and pressure overload."

What is your fondest memory of your time at RMU?  

"The best memory of my time as a RM PhD candidate are the PhD retreats. Since I don鈥檛 physically work in the RMU but in the UMCU, I met a lot of likeminded colleagues and could interact with them in a welcoming setting, which led to interesting interactions and discussions."  

What are you going to do next?  

"After my PhD, I will return to China to work as a cardiologist in Guangzhou city. I鈥檓 very looking forward to it's great food, which I have really missed. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported and helped me throughout my PhD journey in the Netherlands. I hope to welcome you in Guangzhou city one day!"