OVERVIEW

The mission of the Zebrafish Genetics Laboratory is to exploit the many advantages of zebrafish to discern the molecular mechanisms of human cardiac diseases. Zebrafish embryos are transparent and develop ex utero, which allows one to study cardiogenesis processes at single cell resolution. To complement its proven track record for novel gene discovery through forward genetic tools such as mutagenesis screens, the zebrafish is amenable to investigate functions of any gene using reverse genetic tools such as morpholino and TILLING technology. With the zebrafish genomic project nearing completion, this vertebrate model organism brings tremendous novel opportunities to address questions in the field of molecular cardiology.

The major research focus of the Zebrafish Genetic Lab is the molecular mechanisms of sarcomere-based cardiac diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We are interested in both developmental defects during cardiogenesis and age-related abnormalities in an adult zebrafish heart.

FUNDING

The Zebrafish Genetics Lab would like to gratefully acknowledge the support from the following organizations:

• Robert and Arlene Kogod Program on Aging
• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
• Fraternal Order of Eagles Cancer Research Fund
• Dubai Healthcare City
• American Heart Association (AHA)
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)