Research
Research Overview
The Sweat Lab focuses on understanding epigenetic regulatory mechanisms controlling the cellular identity programs of atrial (and ventricular) cardiomyocytes. The group’s prior work has shown that genetic perturbations affecting the regulation of cellular identity programs can result in sustained arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation. The team uses different types of arrhythmia models to uncover molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of arrhythmia, with the overarching goal of defining mechanistic underpinnings of arrhythmias to develop new treatments.
Arrhythmia mechanisms in atrial fibrillation
Description: Using adeno-associated virus to deliver Cre-recombinase under a promoter specifically active in atrial cardiomyocytes, we are investigating changes in the composition and gene regulation in the atria of mice that develop atrial fibrillation. After our initial characterization of two previously described AF models, we have identified downstream targets, and are working to construct a comprehensive map of the gene network controlling atrial rhythm.
Atrial and ventricular gene regulatory networks
Description: Although both cardiomyocyte subtypes, atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes differ from each other in size, ultrastructure, metabolism, and electrical functioning. We are interested in determining the genes that maintain these differences in mature cardiomyocytes.