Vanessa Avila / Biology / Faculty Mentor: Theodora Koromila
Optogenetics enables precise, non-toxic control of specific cell activities using non-toxic blue light of 470nm. In this study we will be addressing early heart development of Danio rerio and investigate the role of Notch1 signaling in trabeculation, a critical process in ventricular wall thickening. Defective formation of trabeculae is associated with non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NC), a congenital heart defect linked to a disruption in Notch signaling. To achieve spatiotemporal control of Notch1 activation, we employ the LAUNCHER system, generating transgenic zebrafish primary cell lines expressing light-activated NICD (Notch intracellular domains). Using live imaging, we will track Notch 1 activation in both endocardium and myocardium during early heart development. Ultimately, our study advances the use of optogenetics in developmental cardiology, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital heart disease.
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