Stefan Materna

I am interested in how the information encoded in the genome directs embryonic development where many processes must act in concert to give rise to a complex organism. Specifically, how do a few known transcription factors that determine cell fate regulate a complex morphogenetic program that requires the precise control of hundreds of genes? The main model my lab is using is the early zebrafish embryo, which is both accessible and amenable to manipulation. A particular area of interest is the emergence of the blood vascular system from mesodermal progenitors. Defects in this process may result in developmental malformations or predispose the individual to cardiovascular disease.