New preprint: Hyaluronan underlies emergence of form in human cardioids

We are pleased to share our latest collaborative work with the Mendjan Lab:

Hyaluronan underlies the emergence of form, fate, and function in human cardioids

Jahnel SM, Dimitriadi A, Kodnar J, Gerakopoulos V, Khurana Y, Mayrhauser M, Ilmer T, Ishihara K, Mendjan S

bioRxiv, 2026. DOI: 10.64898/2026.01.26.700345

This study reveals how hyaluronan (a key component of the extracellular matrix) acts as an organizing cue in human cardioids, driving the coordinated emergence of morphology, cell fate, and contractile function. The findings open new avenues for understanding congenital heart disease and building improved cardiac tissue models.