Rutgers University-New Brunswick · BiologyAstrof Cardiology Lab
Sophie Astrof · New Brunswick, New Jersey
Research Focus
Dr. Sophie Astrof’s lab focuses on understanding congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect that affects about 1% of newborns. Her research investigates how certain proteins, particularly fibronectin, contribute to the normal development of the heart's outflow tract. By studying the mechanisms of heart formation and the impact of abnormal cell behavior, the lab aims to identify new approaches for better prenatal screening and treatment options for CHD.
congenital heart diseaseheart developmentfibronectinextracellular matrixcell mechanicsmorphogenesiscardiac outflow tractepithelial organizationprogenitor cells
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how fibronectin regulates cell shape in the cardiac outflow tract.
AIM 02Determine the role of epithelial organization in heart development.
AIM 03Explore the genetic mechanisms behind congenital heart disease.
AIM 04Identify potential therapeutic targets for CHD treatment.
AIM 05Examine the relationship between extracellular matrix components and heart morphogenesis.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemouse modelsin situ hybridizationmolecular cloningimmunohistochemistrygene editingbiomechanical assaysprotein purification microscopy
Output against the department
Publications46bottom 10% of dept.928th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.3kbottom 7% of dept.956th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
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