Early human cardiac developmental defects using gene-edited iPSCs and gastruloid models

"Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common structural and functional anomaly of the heart patient at the early stages of cardiac development. In India, CHD accounts for nearly 10% infant mortality, with septal defects being among the most frequently diagnosed forms. Despite its high prevalence, the genetic contributors and causal mechanisms underlying CHDs remains unexplored. My research aims to identify novel genes associated with CHD and uncover the events involved in valvulogenesis, using hiPSCs derived from either patients or CRISPR-Cas9 editing. Further, generating cardiac-patterened gastruloids to capture early developmental processes and pinpoint the origins of cardiac malformations. This integrated approach will deepen our understanding of CHD pathogenesis and support future strategies for early diagnosis and lifelong cardiac health."

Vismaya V

PhD Student (CEFIPRA)