Dr. Jonathan Seidman

Biography

Jonathan G. Seidman is a recognized expert in the field of Genetics with a focus on inherited heart disease. As the Henrietta B. Bugher Foundation Professor at Harvard Medical School, he leads the Seidman laboratory, which is dedicated to identifying genetic mutations that cause congenital heart conditions. His work has been pivotal in utilizing advanced human genetic techniques, such as whole exome and genome sequencing, to uncover disease-causing mutations. Seidman's research primarily targets the genetic underpinnings of dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aiming to understand how these mutations impact cardiac structure and function. His laboratory has successfully modeled these mutations in mice and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), allowing for detailed biochemical analysis of their effects. Notably, his use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has enabled the construction of iPSCs with specific genetic mutations to further investigate their functional consequences in a controlled environment. Through these innovative approaches, Seidman aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which these genetic alterations lead to heart disease and to advance the understanding of chromatin modifying gene mutations.

Research Interests