Jeffrey Steimle, PhD 2019 (Ivan Moskowitz, advisor) is an assistant professor, University of Cincinnati's Dept. of Pediatrics and a member of the division of molecular cardiovascular biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital. He was awarded an HL F32 (2021-23), and K99-R00 (2023-28) to support his training and transition to independence. While a graduate student he was also part of the MCB and Cardiovascular Sciences NIH T32 programs.
The Steimle Lab investigates the fundamental gene-regulatory networks that govern development and disease in the human body. Active research centers on the essential transcription factor, PITX2, which is a master regulator involved in a myriad of processes from establishing left-right asymmetry in the embryo to shaping the cardiopulmonary, craniofacial, and gastrointestinal systems.
They are working to understand how PITX2 orchestrates the complex interaction between transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and cis-regulatory elements in these processes. To do this, we utilize a wide array of tools, including advanced genetic mouse models, state-of-the-art single-cell sequencing, and innovative gene therapy approaches to precisely map how PITX2 turns genes on and off. We hope to understand how PITX2 regulates gene expression, which could reveal new therapeutic targets for preventing and treating cardiac arrhythmias and other life-threatening conditions.