Gabrielle Kardon

Dr. Gabrielle Kardon is a Professor and holds the H.A. and Edna Benning Presidential Endowed Chair in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah. She directs a research laboratory focused on muscle development and regeneration, where she also serves as Director of Faculty Affairs.

Her research investigates fundamental questions in muscle biology:

• Mechanisms of muscle development, regeneration, maintenance, and aging
• Role of muscle stem cells as primary sources of muscle tissue
• Function of muscle connective tissue in providing stem cell niches
• Evolution of musculoskeletal systems across species

Experimental approaches include genetic lineage tracing, whole-genome sequencing, 3D imaging, and mutant mouse models.

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on:

• Developmental origins of diaphragm musculature and congenital defects
• Cellular interactions between muscle stem cells and connective tissue
• Molecular regulation of muscle regeneration after injury
• Evolutionary adaptations in musculoskeletal systems

Honors include the H.A. and Edna Benning Presidential Endowed Chair recognizing her contributions to developmental genetics.

Dr. Kardon mentors trainees at multiple levels:

• Currently advising graduate student Mya Scheib
• Supervises postdoctoral fellows and research scientists
• Leads a research team studying congenital diaphragmatic hernias and muscle regeneration

Her lab utilizes advanced imaging and genomic techniques to investigate cellular dynamics in developing and regenerating muscles.