
Our Research
The Sheikh Lab focuses on better understanding the pathways driving biomechanical stress responses in cardiac muscle as they are major triggers for human genetic-based cardiac diseases.
- Major efforts have centralized on mutations affecting the complexes at the cardiac muscle cell-cell junction that drive the devastating “athlete’s” heart muscle disease, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), that results in sudden death.
- The lab exploits genetically engineered mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human patients, miniaturized physiological assays, yeast-two-hybrid screens, aligned cardiomyocyte mouse models, co-culture devices, specialized cardiac extracellular matrix coatings, 3-D printing, and other in vitro model systems.
- The lab collaborates with prominent investigators in the bioengineering/nanoengineering departments.
In this manner, the lab is developing a comprehensive understanding of the complex role for the cell-cell junction network and its requirement for optimal cardiac function both in vitro and in vivo.
Spotlight News in Lab

Sheikh Lab Lunch
The Sheikh Lab went out to lunch to welcome the new members in lab. Looking forward to getting to work with everyone!

Sheikh Lab Christmas White Elephant
Sheikh Lab celebrated Christmas by playing White Elephant and having an amazing time in each other's presence. What a great way to end the year!

Hank receives his Ph.D
Our graduate student, Hank successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis to his committee, lab members, family, and friends. Congratulations and well deserved!

Yan receives the 2021 UCSD Schulman Award
Congratulations to our project scientist, Yan Liang, for receiving the 2021 Schulman Award for Outstanding Cardiovascular Research!

Experimental Biology Showcase 2021
Our graduate student, Hank presented his work at the 2021 Experimental Biology Showcase for the Outstanding Predoctoral Trainee Award by the American Physiological Society-Cardiovascular Section! Congratulations for winning the award, Hank!

Yan's Research Publication
Congratulations to our project scientist, Yan Liang, on publishing her research on uncovering CSN6 as a new molecular pathway that underlies arrhythmogenic right ventricular pathway in the Journal of Clinical Investigation!
Farah Sheikh
Professor of Medicine
University of California-San Diego
Associate Editor, Life Sciences
Health Sciences Faculty Equity Advisor
Interested in Joining the Lab?

We are open to potential postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, undergraduate students, and volunteers.
For more information, click here
Our research would not move forward without funding from the following sources:








