Research Interests
The Seidman Lab is the research base for a human molecular genetics program co-directed by Christine E. Seidman, MD and Jonathan G. Seidman, PhD. Located within the Departments of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and the Cardiovascular Division of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and supported by Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Institutes of Health, the laboratory harnesses and integrates clinical medicine and molecular technologies to define disease-causing gene mutations and genetic variations that increase disease risk. The laboratory also develops and interrogates genetically engineered mouse models and CRISPR/Cas9 genome-edited human induced pluripotent stem cells to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms for disease. Major research projects focus on discovery of the genetic contributions to cardiovascular disease, including dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease. Through collaborative interactions with the Cardiovascular Genetics Center (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) the Seidman laboratory translates basic research discoveries into better diagnostics and improved management strategies and explores novel treatment opportunities for genetic heart disease.
