A multi-modal investigation of the developmental origins of congenital heart defects in avian embryos

Maternal conditions that disrupt the normal embryonic environment during heart development can lead to structural defects in the heart, ultimately compromising the heart's function and leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Avian models of cardiovascular development have played a key role in elucidating the mechanisms by which congenital heart defects form during critical periods of early heart development. However, current avian models are restricted to narrow developmental windows, thereby limiting one's ability to study the manifestation of cardiac defects over a larger, more complete timescale. The work presented in this thesis uses novel techniques in an avian model coupled with multiscale imaging modalities to study how transient interventions during early heart formation affect the overall development of the heart.