The Stankunas laboratory investigates fundamental questions of how genes and proteins regulate organ development and regeneration. We study how cell signals interface with chromatin regulation to establish unique gene expression programs that direct region and temporal specific development within the vertebrate heart. Our lab also examines how epigenetic reprogramming and signaling networks contribute to organ regeneration. In pursuit of these interests, we integrate mouse and zebrafish genetics with cell biology, molecular biology, and genomics approaches. Further, our group is developing novel chemical genetics technologies and transcriptomics technologies that enable our studies and those of other researchers. Ultimately, we relate our discoveries to basic concepts of organogenesis as well as cardiovascular disease and regenerative medicine.