The cardiac conduction system generates and propagates electrical impulses within the heart, and cells of the conduction network arise from lineage specification of cardiomyocyte progenitors. We are seeking to understand the mechanisms regulating cardiac conduction development, which may provide insight into congenital arrhythmia syndromes. Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome affects 1 in 500 people and is characterized by accessory atrioventricular pathways in the heart which bypass the normal conduction system and can result in ventricular preexcitation, palpitations, and sudden cardiac death. Although WPW has been well described clinically, the developmental mechanisms behind the formation of this functional ectopic myocardial tissue are poorly understood. We utilize a novel murine model to better understand this disorder. In addition, we utilize reprogramming approaches to convert mature cardiomyocytes into conduction-like cells, which may ultimately be useful in regenerative approaches such as the development of a biologic pacemaker.

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Cardiology.

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