Frank Conlon

Frank Conlon is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, affiliated with the McAllister Heart Institute and the School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding molecular networks critical for early heart development, particularly how sex differences in these networks contribute to congenital heart disease. Using interdisciplinary approaches—including developmental, genetic, proteomic, and molecular studies in mouse and stem cell models—his lab investigates cardiac septation, transcriptional specificity, and morphogenesis. Key projects include defining cellular/molecular events in cardiac septation and exploring sex disparities in heart physiology.

His lab employs advanced techniques such as in-utero Doppler echocardiography and 3D cardiomyocyte imaging. Recent studies highlight CHD4-TBX5 interactions, X-chromosome-linked miRNAs, and sex chromosome impacts on cardiac development. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his work is supported by grants enabling postdoctoral research. The lab is part of interdisciplinary networks within the UNC School of Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences.

Publications emphasize proteomic profiling, transcriptional regulation, and congenital heart disease mechanisms. Current opportunities include postdoctoral positions focusing on cardiac molecular networks and congenital defects.