The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the honor of hosting Dr. Cecilia Winata, Head of the Zebrafish Developmental Genomics Laboratory at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, for a guest lecture titled “Understanding the Heart Using Zebrafish as a Model Organism.” Held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, the event brought together faculty members, researchers, and students to gain insights into the genomic and molecular underpinnings of heart development.
Dr. Winata emphasized the critical importance of understanding heart development, especially in relation to congenital heart disease—one of the most common types of birth defects. Using zebrafish as her model organism, she showcased how this tiny aquatic vertebrate has become a powerful tool in cardiac research. Notably, zebrafish share a comparable heart rate with humans, making them a relevant system for exploring cardiovascular biology.
During the lecture, Dr. Winata shared key findings from her lab:
- The dynamics of the cardiomyocyte transcriptome and chromatin landscape: Her team mapped out the changing gene expression patterns and chromatin architecture throughout heart development, revealing the timing and regulation of key developmental processes.
- Insights into the pacemaker system: By profiling the transcriptome of the sinoatrial ring—the zebrafish heart’s natural pacemaker—Dr. Winata uncovered both conserved and novel genetic programs, highlighting parallels with human heart rhythm regulation.
- Molecular blueprint of the secondary pacemaker: Genomic and physiological analyses of the atrioventricular canal exposed the genetic framework that defines this lesser-known pacemaker region, providing new understanding of how rhythmic contractions are coordinated.
- The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): Dr. Winata underscored the importance of SNPs in shaping individual susceptibility to congenital heart defects and arrhythmias, underlining the potential of personalized medicine.
The lecture concluded with an open invitation from Dr. Winata to collaborate. She expressed keen interest in working with researchers and students from the Faculty of Biology and welcomed those interested in joining her lab in Warsaw to explore zebrafish-based research further.
This event not only deepened understanding of heart development but also laid the groundwork for international research collaboration, reinforcing the Faculty’s commitment to advancing biomedical science through global partnerships.
