Sarah Konze

Dr. Sarah Konze is a researcher at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology at Hannover Medical School (MHH), where she leads her own research group (AG Konze) since December 2021. Her academic journey began with a biochemistry degree from Leibniz University Hannover (2004-2010), followed by doctoral studies in the 'Regenerative Medicine' program of the REBIRTH excellence cluster, culminating in her PhD on the proteome of human pluripotent stem cells. Prior to her current position, she completed a DFG-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Radboud UMC in the Netherlands.

Dr. Konze's research focuses on modeling hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes carrying mutations in cardiac myosin-binding protein C. Her work investigates how contractile imbalances among neighboring cardiomyocytes might contribute to the development of heart tissue abnormalities in HCM patients.

Her publication record demonstrates significant contributions across multiple disciplines including stem cell biology, proteomics, and cardiovascular disease modeling. The most recent publications focus on glycomics and proteomic analysis of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, reflecting her lab's interdisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques.

Notable recognitions include:

• Travel Award from the Biophysical Society (2019)
• Young Investigator Award, 1st place at European Muscle Conference (2017)
• Travel grant from the German Physiology Society (2015)

Dr. Konze actively supervises students at various levels, currently mentoring medical student Henrietta Scholz and Master's student Fiona Söhngen, following successful supervision of Sven Schwebe (Bachelor, 2024) and Luqman Eljurnazi (Master, 2024). Her research is supported by ongoing DFG funding and conducted in collaboration with other research groups at MHH, particularly PD Dr. Robert Zweigerdt's laboratory for stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte generation.

Her laboratory team consists of multiple researchers and technical staff, creating a collaborative environment focused on advancing our understanding of cardiac disease mechanisms through innovative stem cell approaches.