The focus of our research is to understand fundamental mechanisms underlying heart development and to translate that knowledge to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases. From classic and chemical genetic screens, we have identified mutations and compounds that affect proper patterning or function of the heart. Using these mutants and compounds as points of entry, we have contributed to the understanding of (1) the differential regulation of the arteries and veins during vessel formation and in the development of vascular diseases; (2) molecular hierarchies and cellular mechanisms governing heart tube morphogenesis; (3) molecular and physiological mechanisms by which rhythmic cardiac contraction is established and maintained and by which cardiac arrhythmia occurs; and (4) how the embryonic left-right asymmetry is established and how the heart develops with respect to the embryonic left-right axis.

Current projects include:

• Transcriptional controls of cardiac gene programs. Our laboratory uses developmental genetics and multi-omics approaches to probe the transcription regulatory mechanisms controlling dynamic cardiac gene programs during development and in homeostasis and how their dysfunction impacts on myocardial integrity and function.

• Mitochondrial contributions to cardiac morphogenesis and physiology. Mitochondria are crucial regulators for key cellular processes such as metabolism, cell signaling and survival. Our genetic analyses revealed essential roles for mitochondrial trafficking proteins in the regulation of cardiac morphogenesis and the maintenance of cardiac rhythm. Moving forward, we take a multidisciplinary approach to unravel underlying mechanisms by which mitochondria influence ventricular wall morphogenesis and regulate cardiac physiology.