How could we relate the genome to a morphological phenotype during embryonic development? How could we determine how complex structures form at genetic, molecular, and cellular levels?

The heart is an excellent model to address these questions. It comprises a diversity of cell types, including cardiomyocytes; and all these cell types must be specified and integrated to form a complex structure made up of four chambers, -two ventricles and two atria-. Understanding cardiac morphogenesis will also allow identifying the mechanisms affected in congenital heart diseases -impacting around 1 live birth in every 100- and inform design principles to program tissue patterns and shape for tissue engineering.

Our research includes the live analysis of the developing cardiac progenitors and heart tube at cellular resolution in the mouse, combined with single-cell genomics, genetics and in vitro model systems. Our rationale is that looking at cells individually in a precise and dynamic manner is key to discovering biological principles underlying the organisation of cells into tissues and organs. Such “cell mapping” will allow bridging the gap between the regulation of gene expression and the coordination of cell behaviours and fates to generate form.

UCL website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/child-health/heart-morphogenesis-group