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We are attempting to generate a genetic blueprint for mammalian heart development. In recent years, we have identified transcription factors that control the specification of cardiac myocytes, differentiation and expression of contractile protein genes, patterning and growth of the ventricular chambers, and proliferation of cardiac myocytes. We are studying the mechanisms of action of these proteins in cultured cells and mouse embryos. We have also performed extensive screens for novel cardiogenic regulatory factors using bioinformatics and microarrays. |
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The figure shows a schematic diagram of mammalian heart development. |
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The figure shows the expression pattern of myocardin, a cardiac- and smooth muscle-restricted transcription factor that activates muscle gene expression by associating with serum response factor (SRF). Myocardin expression (shown in red) is confined to the heart and a subset of smooth muscle cells
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Embryonic Expression Pattern of HOP |
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The figure shows the expression pattern of HOP, a novel homeodomain-only protein expressed in the embryonic heart.
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Cardiomyocyte Hyperplasia in HOP Mutant Mice |
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The figure shows the heart of a normal mouse and a HOP-null mouse. In the absence of HOP, there is an excess of cardiac muscle cells, revealing a key role for HOP in control of the cardiac cell cycle. |
