Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Ataxia: 

Zebrafish as a Model to Understand the Pathophysiology of SCD

This Project focuses on the development of a model for Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Ataxia (DCMA), a rare but lethal hereditary condition that is associated with sudden cardiac death. If successful, this project will not only be the first of its kind to decipher the mechanisms by which alterations in mitochondrial function can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, it will also help to establish techniques required for development of future animal models. Through understanding the pathophysiology of rare conditions, there is potential for development of new treatment strategies for cardiac arrhythmias.