The major focus of my research is to understand the molecular control of organ formation and cell-type specification. In particular, we are focusing on the role that homeobox genes play in early organogenesis, specifically the Hhex gene. Based on a null mutation of Hhex generated in my laboratory, we have determined that Hhex is crucial for early liver budding and morphogenesis, cardiovascular development, and lymphopoiesis. We plan to determine the precise role of Hhex in these critical developmental processes and the factors with which it interacts using mouse molecular genetics, conditional gene knockouts, and transgenic overexpression in specific cells and tissues. The two major areas of focus in the lab are the roles that Hhex plays in liver and cardiovascular development. By studying the specific role of Hhex during development, we will gain important insight into the basic developmental mechanisms involved in early organogenesis of a number of different organs. Ultimately, we plan to use the knowledge obtained by our study of the basic mechanisms of organ development to repair and regenerate organs and tissues in humans.
Specialized Terms: Role of homeobox transcription factors in early liver and cardiovascular development; Stem cells in organ repair and regeneration
The major focus of my research is to understand the molecular control of organ formation and cell-type specification. In particular, we are focusing on the role that homeobox genes play in early organogenesis, specifically the Hhex gene. Based on a null mutation of Hhex generated in my laboratory, we have determined that Hhex is crucial for early liver budding and morphogenesis, cardiovascular development, and lymphopoiesis. We plan to determine the precise role of Hhex in these critical developmental processes and the factors with which it interacts using mouse molecular genetics, conditional gene knockouts, and transgenic overexpression in specific cells and tissues. The two major areas of focus in the lab are the roles that Hhex plays in liver and cardiovascular development. By studying the specific role of Hhex during development, we will gain important insight into the basic developmental mechanisms involved in early organogenesis of a number of different organs. Ultimately, we plan to use the knowledge obtained by our study of the basic mechanisms of organ development to repair and regenerate organs and tissues in humans.
Critical Care; Gastroenterology; Morphogenesis; Pediatrics; Organogenesis