Research Explorer

Project

Evaluating impaired neural crest fate in a zebrafish model for aortic dissection as a therapeutic target for thoracic aortic dissection
Code
01SC5624
Duration
01 October 2024 → 30 September 2028
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Vascular diseases
Keywords
Thoracic aortic aneurysm zebrafish single-cell omics neural crest cells high-resolution microscopy
 
Project description

This project explores the impact of SMAD3 and SMAD6 deficiency on neural crest cell (NCC) behavior, contributing to thoracic aortic aneurysm. We engineered smad3a/b;smad6a/b knockout zebrafish that manifest ventral aortic dissection and early upregulation of Mitfa, an orchestrator of
NCC migration and differentiation. Comprehensive integration of high-resolution microscopy and single cell omic data will catalyze preclinical validation of therapeutic targets.