University of Arizona | Cellular & Molecular Medicine
Human Stem Cells &
Computational Biology
We use patient-derived iPSC-cardiomyocytes, single-cell genomics, and computational
approaches to understand cardiac disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets.
The Churko Lab at the University of Arizona integrates human iPSC technology
with single-cell genomics, computational biology, and machine learning to understand
the molecular basis of inherited cardiomyopathies. We develop new approaches for
disease modeling, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic target identification.
Our foundation builds on methods pioneered at Stanford University in the
laboratory of Dr. Joseph Wu, where we established approaches for iPSC-cardiomyocyte
differentiation and high-throughput drug screening platforms that predict
cardiotoxicity using patient-derived stem cells.
Biography
Dr. Jared Churko is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Arizona. He completed his postdoctoral training at Stanford University in the laboratory of Dr. Joseph Wu, where he developed methods for iPSC-cardiomyocyte differentiation and high-throughput cardiotoxicity screening. His research integrates human induced pluripotent stem cell technology with single-cell genomics and computational approaches to model inherited cardiac diseases, including arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and atrial fibrillation. He serves on the editorial boards of JMCC Plus and Circulation: Heart Failure, and is a reviewer for NIH study sections.
We combine stem cell biology, genomics, and computational
methods to understand inherited cardiac diseases and identify new treatments.
Patient-Derived iPSC Models
We generate cardiomyocytes from patient blood to model inherited cardiac
diseases including arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (PKP2, DSP), dilated
cardiomyopathy (LMOD2, TTN), and atrial fibrillation. CRISPR/Cas9 isogenic
controls enable precise genotype-phenotype analysis.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics
We use scRNA-seq to characterize cardiomyocyte heterogeneity during
differentiation and identify disease-specific transcriptional signatures.
Multi-Omics Integration
Integrating RNA-seq, proteomics (mass spectrometry), and whole-genome
sequencing to identify disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
3D Cardiac Tissues
Engineering multicellular constructs with cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts,
endothelial cells, and epicardial cells for physiologically relevant models.
Technology
Integrated Platforms
From single-cell resolution to whole-genome analysis,
our platforms generate deep biological insights.
Single-Cell RNA-Seq
Resolve cellular heterogeneity during cardiomyocyte differentiation.
Identify rare cell populations and developmental trajectories at single-cell resolution.
10x GenomicsCell LineageTrajectory Analysis
Bulk RNA-Seq & WGS
Comprehensive transcriptomic and genomic profiling to identify disease
signatures, variant effects, and pathway dysregulation.
Quantitative proteomics to measure protein abundance, post-translational
modifications, and protein-protein interactions.
TMT LabelingPhosphoproteomicsInteractomics
3D Tissue Engineering
Multicellular constructs combining cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells,
fibroblasts, and epicardial cells for physiologically relevant disease models.
OrganoidsEHTCo-culture
Research Theme
Developmental Cell Lineages
Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we map the transcriptional landscape of
cardiomyocyte differentiation to understand how cells acquire atrial versus
ventricular identity. This work reveals the molecular programs driving cardiac
specification and identifies markers for isolating specific subpopulations.
Research Theme
Disease Biomarker Discovery
We analyze patient-derived iPSC-cardiomyocytes using integrated multi-omics:
whole-genome sequencing to identify variants, RNA-seq to measure transcriptional
changes, and mass spectrometry to quantify protein alterations. This systems
biology approach reveals disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Research Theme
Bioengineered Disease Models
We engineer 3D cardiac tissues incorporating cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts,
endothelial cells, and epicardial cells. These multicellular constructs better
recapitulate the structural and functional properties of human myocardium,
enabling more physiologically relevant disease modeling.
Collaborations
Expanding Beyond the Heart
In collaboration with the Center for Innovations in Brain Sciences,
we apply our iPSC expertise to generate disease-specific neural cells for
neurodegenerative disease research.