1. Determination of factors governing induction and patterning of cardiac conduction system
2. Developmental mechanisms of arrhythimas
3. Development of ventricular myocardial architecture

1. Molecular mechanisms of ventricular conduction systém induction (B. Sebestova). This project is testing potential signaling cascades implicated in differentiation of specialized conductive tissues from working cardiomyocytes.


2. Developmental mechanisms of arrhythimas (J. Benes). In adult cardiology, there is a renewed interest in studying cardiac developments, since numerous pathologies such as heart failure are characterized by re-activation of fetal gene expression program. We are therefore analyzing the rat model of heart failure from this perspective as well as studying the prenatal origin of selected arrhythmias. The above topics are supported by a GACR grant 304/08/0615 entitled "Molecular mechanisms of cardiac conduction system development".


3. The form of the developing heart is strongly influenced by its function. Over the past decade, it was shown, using several mechanical perturbation models, that hemodynamics is a crucial factor influencing myocardial development. These studies led to formulation of hypothesis stating that structure and function of the developing heart are mutually linked. We now propose to develop these studies further to determine the mechanisms through which the physiological perturbations influence morphogenesis. Using an array of functional, morphological, and molecular techniques, we will analyze established mechanical and novel pharmacological interventions in avian embryonic hearts in vivo and in vitro. The results obtained will broaden our understanding of mechanistic links between structure and function and identify classes of drugs with possible adverse effects on developing cardiovascular system. This topic is currently supported by a GACR grant P302/11/1308 entitled "Epigenetic factors in myocardial morphogenesis".

Publications