Science Research
Epicardial Development
The heart is composed of 3 layers, the origins and morphogenesis of the outermost layer, the epicardium is currently a topic of significant importance. The epicardium is know known to play an important role in cardiac wound healing and regeneration. Dr. Holtzman’s lab explores the unique method of epicardial migration onto the heart surface and its further maturation as the epicardial cells contribute to a wide range of cardiac cell types.
Aquatic Toxicology
Many environmental contaminants end up in our worlds waterways, from rivers to the ocean. In some cases, these contaminants impact animal development and survival. Zebrafish are a laboratory model organism that is very useful for understanding the mechanism that cause the observed developmental defects caused by these environmental contaminants. Dr. Holtzman’s lab focuses on the impact of PCBs in the waterways around New York City on fish development. The lab have assessed the impact of a set of PCBs on zebrafish development including cardiac and pancreas defects and then explored the impact of these PCBs on more environmentally relevant and endangered sturgeon. The goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms driving the observed developmental defects resulting from PCB exposure. [URL]
Cardiac Morphogensis
Formation of the heart occurs in a series of molecular and morphological steps requiring interactions between the endocardium (innermost layer) and the myocardium (muscular layer) of the heart. Dr. Holtzman’s lab is interested in how biomechanics plays a role in this processes, as signals from the flow of blood are interpreted by the endocardium which then signals the myocardium. Using the a zebrafish mutation that disrupts atrial contraction, the lab assesses the impact on the gene regulation of cardiac morphogenesis. [URL] [URL]
Sturgeon Staging Series
Defining a staging series for the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon are a first step to translating the impacts of developmental toxicology observed in zebrafish to these wild species.