Defects in left/right (L/R) patterning events during embryonic development often lead to complex congenital heart defects. The mechanism(s) by which the L/R axis is initially specified in the vertebrate embryo remain unclear. Evidence from mouse and zebrafish models suggest embryonic monocilia create a leftward flow of fluid that mediates L/R development. Using zebrafish as a model system, forward and reverse genetic approaches will be taken to identify genes that regulate the specialized domain of monociliated cells (dorsal forerunner cells) that generate leftward flow. Genes identified that affect leftward flow may be considered candidates for laterality defects. Recently, it has been proposed that leftward flow activates mechanosensory monocilia on the left side of the embryo. Electron and confocal microscopy will be used to characterize the structural and molecular properties of dorsal forerunner cell monocilia and test whether mechanosensory cilia are involved in L/R patterning.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32HL076055-02
Application #
6850700
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Meadows, Tawanna
Project Start
2004-01-22
Project End
2007-01-21
Budget Start
2005-01-22
Budget End
2006-01-21
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$48,296
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Utah
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112