The heart is an incredible organ, capable of adapting to the body’s needs in both health and disease. The Heart Muscle Group, led by Prof. Julie McMullen, is diving deep into the mysteries of heart enlargement, exploring why it can sometimes be beneficial—like in elite athletes—and at other times harmful, leading to serious conditions like heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

The Heart Muscle Group’s research is centered around discovering the underlying molecular differences between these two types of heart enlargement. They aim to pinpoint genes, proteins, and lipids that activate in the athletic heart, providing natural protection, and explore how these can be harnessed to improve heart health in disease. Key goals include: