Methodology

Forward genetics: identifying novel genes important for cardiovascular development

The ENU-induced mutant, refuse-to-fuse (ref) was found in a forward genetic screen for cardiac defects. ref was found to be a mutation in pdgfra leading to the identification of PDGF signaling as being important for cardiac fusion. For more information see Bloomekatz et al. 2017.

Quantitative live-imaging

Quantitative tracking of cardiomyocyte movement (Purple-to-Red) in wildtype and ref mutant embryos allows for the dissection of different properties of movement

 

Biomechanics 

Different shapes of cardiomyocytes during heart tube formation. Analysis of cell morphology as well as biophysical experiments such as laser ablation can reveal the biomechanics underlying cardiac morphogenesis.

Systems biology and bioinformatics

Whole genome and high throughput techniques for non-reductionist approaches to cardiovascular development.

Zebrafish

External fertilization, optical transparency, large clutch size, ease of genetic manipulation, great genetic tractability and great scientific community are just some of the advantages that make zebrafish a great vertebrate model system with which to study cardiovascular biology